The extensive refurbishment follows Kevin Webster, partner at Hardies’ appointment seven years ago by Forth Housing Association to assess the condition of the former infectious diseases hospital prior to purchasing the site.

Built at a time when an outbreak of the bubonic plague in Glasgow and smallpox in Stirling were reported, hence its once relatively rural and isolated location some distance from Stirling and close to the River Forth, Kildean Hospital consisted of three buildings, the main former admin building occupied by Stirling Community Enterprise, with Forth Housing Association planning on moving into Ward 1, with Ward 2 let to STEP for small businesses/startups.

Kevin Webster said: “Both wards required substantial refurbishment, with new independent heating systems installed to the three buildings.

“On completion of phase 1, the intention had been to demolish the now redundant boiler house, although this was denied due to being within the curtilage of a listed building. The boiler house was in a dilapidated state, and becoming unsafe, so money was going to have to be spent on it to ensure public safety. Stirling Community Enterprise decided to transform it into a community hub and training centre.”

Hardies undertook Building Surveying, Quantity Surveying, Project Management and Principal Designer services and sourced funding for the £615,000 project from the Robertson Trust and the Scottish Government.

The completed development offers office space for Stirling Community Enterprise staff, a training workshop that offers practical skills training, and multi-purpose rooms used by both the client and the community.

Tracey McFall, CEO, Stirling Community Enterprise, added: “This building will provide Stirling Community Enterprise with a space, not only to support the people who engage with us, but for community groups and partners across Stirling.”