7. BANGOUR VILLAGE SITE UPDATE

The Panel considered a report (copies of which had been circulated) by the Head of Health Services providing an update in relation to the Bangour Village Hospital site.

The Panel were advised that the buildings had deteriorated over a number of years and recent poor winters had resulted in further deterioration. The buildings had also suffered from theft and vandalism with the buildings having been stripped of many of the original features and lead and copper from the roofs.

In 2011 NHS Lothian engaged an external security company to provide an increased security presence with a large number of buildings having now been fenced off on the grounds of health and safety. Site access was a major issue as under the Land Reform Act, the Board were not permitted to close the site to the general public however it had been closed to vehicular traffic.

NHS Lothian continued to market the site and had been working closely with Council, Scottish Government, Scottish Futures Trust, Historic , Princes Regeneration Trust and Montagu Evans. Additionally a steering group had now been established which Susan Goldsmith, Director of Finance, NHS Lothian would sponsor and Alex McMahon, Executive Director of Strategic Planning would Chair. The group would consist of representatives from all the major parties including West Lothian Council with the project team continuing to operate and reporting to the Steering Group.

Funding from the Scottish Government via the Scottish Futures Trust had now been secured to undertake a master plan for the site with a view to the submission of a planning in principle application. This process was in line with the requirements of West Lothian Council and Historic Scotland. It would also provide clarity to developers on infrastructure requirements. The steering group would next be meeting on 8 August 2013.

Decision

Noted the contents of the report.