Edinburgh College of Art is to consolidate its campuses and extend its main facility at Lauriston Place, releasing over 70,000 sq ft of surplus properties in the city.
The former Salvation Army hostel on West Port, the Portsburgh church building, and 79 Grassmarket, all in the Old Town, along with 37 Inverleith Place, near the Royal Botanic Gardens are being sold.
The former hostel and church, totalling almost 20,000 sq ft, are to be sold as a single lot for residential, studio or continued educational use. The hostel is a listed structure.
The largest single property at over 41,500 sq ft, 79 Grassmarket, is vacant and sits on a one-acre site.
The 10,000 sq ft plus building on Inverleith Place is also listed and is expected to generate interest from residential and commercial developers.
Roy Durie, the partner with Ryden who is handing the sale on behalf of the college, said:
“Rarely does a development site as large as 79 Grassmarket become available in the Old Town. Inverleith is also a most sought after area.”
A closing date of 30 November 2005 has been set to receive notes of interest. A decision is expected by Christmas.
References: EGi News 22/11/05
