Glasgow City Council sells two care homes and could sell library

The properties, located in the Woodside and Springburn areas of Glasgow, will allow a housing association to take on two homes and the beginning of negotiations on the creation of spaces for office, training and community use.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, city convener for housing and development at Glasgow City Council, said: "The disposal of the two properties on North Woodside Road will provide continuity of care for the tenants in the homes there, and generate a significant capital receipt for the council.

"The beginning of negotiations on the potential sale of the Old Springburn Library offers the chance for new and productive uses for the building, and a number of valuable new services available there for the local community."

The council has agreed to sell the care homes, located at 283a and 283b North Woodside Road, to Key Housing Association for £495,000.

The association has been the care provider at the site for the past 20 years.

Ownership of the homes will allow Key Housing Association to continue delivering care services while becoming the official landlord.

Tenants living in the properties have significant care needs supported by council-funded care packages.

Continuity of care and housing arrangements was a key consideration in the council’s decision.

Elsewhere in the city, the council has approved talks with NG Homes about the future of the Old Springburn Library at 179 Ayr Street.

The B-listed building was constructed in 1904.

Most recently, it was occupied by Jobs and Business Glasgow but has stood empty for some time.

NG Homes has expressed interest in acquiring the former library to deliver economic and social opportunities for the area, including providing office space for a local social initiative, whilst reintroducing access for the public through innovative projects such as an events space.

If the sale is successful, services to be delivered at the former library would link with their existing employability and entrepreneurship programmes and support apprenticeships and programmes with local schools providing training and business support, working with partner organisations.

Negotiations with NG Homes are in the early stages.