Ryden Instructed to Demolish Former Guide Dogs Training Centre in Forfar
16 July 2009
Ryden’s Building Consultancy team has been instructed by The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association to organise the demolition of its former training centre, Princess Alexandra House, in Forfar’s Dundee Road and help prepare the site for eventual redevelopment.
The complex of buildings on the 5.3 hectare (13.1 acre) site has been vacant since July 2007, when Guide Dogs relocated to a state of the art training facility at Orchardbank Business Park in Forfar.
The buildings, some of which date from the early 1960s, have been carefully assessed and the demolition works organised using Ryden’s in house knowledge and experience for undertaking this type of project. Demolition is programmed to commence in July and should be completed in October 2009.
Rob Davis of Ryden’s Building Consultancy team said: “We are pleased to provide Guide Dogs with our Project Management services in order to deliver a site suitable for residential development. The site is located within an established residential area and enjoys spectacular views across to the Grampian Mountains.”
Robert Wheeler, Guide Dogs Asset Property Manager, commented: “Guide Dogs has a duty to demolish the old buildings for public safety and security reasons as they will deteriorate quickly and this could put local people in danger. It is very important for us to be a good neighbour.
“We have been in Forfar for more than 40 years, and our investment in the new school is testament to our increased commitment to the area.”
After the buildings have been demolished Ryden’s Property Management team will continue to monitor security at the site, ensure that health and safety is maintained by means of regular site inspections and security patrols and supervise a programme of ongoing grounds maintenance.
The longer term future of the site, which has outline planning consent for a low density housing development in-keeping with the local area, is part of a wider strategic review of Guide Dogs' property portfolio to ensure the Charity is well placed to deliver its planned increase in services and to support future expansion. Guide Dogs is being advised on this by Bruton Knowles and Ryden.
