Officials have drawn up guidance describing how the B listed building, which sites on a five hectare site, could be converted and reused.
It dates from 1910 and was originally constructed as a car factory, then used for the manufacture of aircraft during WWII, finally becoming part of the Gates Rubber Company. Since it closed down, the buildings have become derelict and a target for vandals, but councillors and officers are keen to see it regenerated and say demolition should be avoided, wherever possible. The site is included in the local development plan for mixed use, including residential, commercial and leisure.
And in a report for next week’s environment, economy and infrastructure committee, senior planner Wendy Macleod said: “Once a building is empty, it is immediately at risk and unmaintained buildings, such as the Interfloor Factory, can quickly deteriorate and attract other risks such as vandalism and arson. Empty buildings can be viewed negatively and seen as eyesores, their potential masked by disrepair. Maintaining the building in some sort of use, even as storage, will assist in safeguarding its long-term future. The first option for the building should be to find it a new use if it is to be prevented from falling into further disrepair Alterations and adaptations must be carefully thought through to minimise harm to the special interest or original fabric of the building.”
- Councillors and MSP Colin Smyth pictured above at the site
