Holehouse Road, Kilmarnock

Following a standard tender process, Graham + Sibbald were delighted to be appointed in conjunction with Carter Jonas by Ayrshire College in November 2015 for the provision of Agency and Planning services on their behalf.

Ayrshire College had relocated to a new, modern, purpose-built campus in Kilmarnock in 2016 which had rendered their former campus extending to 3.03Ha (7.48 AC) at Holehouse Road, Kilmarnock surplus to requirements.

Approach

The Graham + Sibbald Agency and Development team, headed by Partner, Fraser H Lang and Planning team headed by Director, Kerri McGuire, undertook a full site review to consider potential alternative uses which would be deliverable for the site, in order to maximise land sale returns.

This process required involvement with the local Council Planning Department, which resulted in concluding that a residential re-development of the site would prove to deliver the best solution.

The Planning Department provided a Planning Position Note to advise on potential for alternative uses and thereafter the Agency and Development Department prepared and implemented a bespoke marketing campaign and negotiated and concluded the sale of the site.

The Agency and Development team prepared and implemented a full open marketing campaign resulting in interest being expressed from a number of national house builders. A closing date for formal offers and development proposals was set resulting in several proposals being submitted. Following interviews with each of the house builders, an acceptable offer was accepted, subject to planning permission being obtained.

Graham + Sibbald continued to monitor the planning process for Ayrshire College throughout the application period, resulting in a sale being concluded in May 2019 with Barratt Homes.

The teams prepared and implemented a timeline of events at the outset for Ayrshire College to ensure that the disposal of their asset was delivered within the anticipated timescale. They also prepared pre-offer guidance for purchasers on the acceptable development abnormal deductions to maximise the net sale proceeds.

Key Challenges

Planning restrictions for alternative use due to surrounding Conservation Areas, assessing development proposals from a number of house builders, requirement to obtain planning consent and quantification of deductible abnormal development costs.

Results

A Sale of the site was secured for re-development with Full Residential Planning Permission to Barratt Homes.

Key Message

The thorough review of the Holehouse Campus, as well as input from Graham +Sibbald’s in-house Commercial Agency, Land and Development Services and Planning teams, allowed the best possible outcome for this sale.

From determining a suitable alternative use to providing trusted and reliable advice, the teams were able to meet client expectations within a timely and cost-effective manner.