A FORMER council office in Shandon is a step closer to being occupied after council chiefs confirmed that a developer remained interested in converting the property into flats.

Blairvadach House has lain empty since 2015 when Argyll and Bute Council moved into the new Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre.

A preferred bidder for the site pulled out in September 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but a report says a second developer is still interested in the site.

And if plans come to fruition, the building could be converted into eight flats with 28 units. The site is zoned for up to 112 residential units in the local development plan.

The details were given in a report for the council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee.

Council executive director Douglas Hendry said: “Following assessment of the offers a preferred developer was selected to work with to develop the site. Subsequently a site licence was agreed in November 2019 to allow the preferred developer to undertake site investigations, topographical surveys, tree surveys and a structural assessment of Blairvadach House.

“It was anticipated that these surveys would be completed in early 2020, however this was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

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“Unfortunately, the preferred developer confirmed in September 2020 that due to the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant effect on the wider economy they would be unable to proceed with their proposed development.

“Accordingly, their interest in the site was terminated, which was a major disappointment, particularly considering the delays in getting to this position again caused by the pandemic stopping the site investigations for an extended period.

“On a more positive note, the developer who previously submitted the second best offer subsequently confirmed that they remained interested in developing the property and discussions were commenced on a phased approach.”

A plan attached to the report shows the proposed approach, with phase one consisting of the plan for flats. The developer will also assist with phase two of the plans in the future.

Mr Hendry added: “Heads of terms have been agreed for the acquisition of the phase one site and legal services have been instructed to work towards concluding this transaction.

“In addition, pre-application consultations have been undertaken with planning for the phase one development and it is anticipated that an application for full consent will be submitted by the developer in due course.”