Aberdeenshire Council has put a former north-east care home on the market again, a decade after it was forced to close.
The Rose Innes complex in Aberchirder was shut down in March 2006 after it failed to meet Care Commission standards.
It is understood the 19th century cottage hospital was no longer fit for purpose and would not easily have been upgraded.
In 2012, Inverurie-based developer Tor Ecosse abandoned plans for a housing scheme on the site which had proved controversial with residents and councillors.
Now the local authority is re-advertising the South Street site for sale as a possible development opportunity as the land already has planning permission for 13 homes.
The particulars of the property advertised describe Rose Innes as a site “in need of extensive refurbishment or total redevelopment”.
“The subjects of sale were built in 1900 as a local cottage hospital,” it states. “In 1960 it became a residential home.
“The former home provided accommodation for 24 residents with ancillary lounge areas and kitchen facilities.”
The building has 24 bedrooms, five separate toilets, three bathrooms, two lounge areas and a sun lounge. There are also two dining areas and two kitchens.
No price or valuation of the property has been posted and the council are inviting all offers. The authority is not obliged to accept the highest bid, or accept any bid at all.
Last night Aberdeenshire Council’s head of property, Allan Whyte, said: “This former care home was built as a local cottage hospital in 1900 and has the benefit of existing planning consent for 13 houses.
“We’ve had some interest and any parties looking for more information or to view the property should contact our principal estates surveyor Jane Burgess.”
Aberdeenshire Council is currently undergoing a “rationalisation” of its property portfolio, advertising and selling off unused buildings. In Peterhead a series of office buildings freed up when the council’s new Buchan House HQ opened are on the market.
