Description
Dumfries and Galloway Council is seeking a development partner for a former factory site located in the east of the town of Dumfries.
SITE DESCRIPTION
Size & Scale:
Approx. 1.98 hectares featuring a substantial three-storey, 26,942 m² former factory building. The council has allocated the site for mixed use development in their Local Development Plan 2, with an indicative 70 units of housing estimated.
Location:
Prominently situated along the A701 Edinburgh Road, close to Dumfries town centre, with direct access to bus services, footpaths, and the Caledonian cycleway.
Policy Support for Redevelopment:
Designated in the Dumfries & Galloway Local Development Plan (LDP2) as DFS.MU203, allocated for mixed-use development including residential, commercial, and leisure uses.
Potential for Enabling Development:
Council policy supports development that helps fund the adaptive reuse of the listed building, including residential schemes (approx. 70 units noted as indicative capacity).
Listed Building Status
Currently the building is a Category B listed building. There is a presumption in favour of its retention and sensitive conversion to a new use, but selective demolition, particularly of the rear wing, may be considered.
KEY CONSTRAINTS AND VIABILITY CONDITIONS
Listed Building Constraints:
Strong presumption in favour of retention and sensitive reuse.
Demolition only allowed in exceptional circumstances, though selective demolition (e.g. rear wings) may be acceptable.
Any proposals require Listed Building Consent (LBC) and alignment with Historic Environment Scotland guidance.
Structural Integrity & Maintenance:
Building is vacant, vandalised, and deteriorating.
A full structural and condition survey is essential.
Market Viability:
A robust development viability appraisal and potential cross-subsidy/enabling development model will be essential.
Planning & Phasing Complexity:
Site should be brought forward as part of a comprehensive, phased redevelopment plan.
Piecemeal applications are discouraged.
Infrastructure, greenspace, and affordable housing requirements must be considered holistically.
