Hope that sale of historic Falkirk house will give building a 'new lease of life'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A historic mansion house owned by Falkirk Council that has lain vacant since 2005 will be put up for sale on the open market in the hope it will get "a new lease of life".

After a public consultation found in favour of selling Kilns House, members of Falkirk Council’s executive agreed on Tuesday that Kilns House, Falkirk, should be advertised and sold on the open market.

However, the public path between Dollar Park and Falkirk Town Hall - which is currently part of the grounds - will remain in council ownership, which will give "substantial protection to the trees in the grounds", councillors were assured. READ MORE: Falkirk arts centre remains on the table as Growth Deal takes next step Falkirk Council's Economic Development spokesperson, Councillor Paul Garner, said: "I think now is the time to make a decision on this matter so that the building can be given a new lease of life."As the house was purchased by the former Burgh of Falkirk, the house and the land around it are held on the Common Good Fund account and the profit from the sale will go to the fund.Built in 1852, Kilns House – which sits between Falkirk Town Hall and Dollar Park – has lain vacant since 2005 and is now in a poor state of repair.In February, the council announced that the the B-listed, red sandstone villa was in need of significant refurbishment and no longer fit for purpose or of use to the council.

That meant a consultation to decide its future was legally necessary and this ran from February 17 until April 14 this year.Councillors heard that although it was publicised through the local press, on social media, through community councils and various notices, just 44 representations were received.Of those, 27 agreed that the house should be