Regeneration of Kildean Site

Stirling Community Enterprise, through Raploch URC, has been awarded £900k of Scottish Government funding, via the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, to provide a new beginning for the former Kildean Hospital site on Drip Road in Raploch. The site, which was previously used as a day hospital and latterly as office accommodation for healthcare staff, was vacated by NHS Forth Valley in early 2013. SCE were granted a short-term lease to move into the main building on site in late 2014.

In July 2016, working in partnership with Forth Housing Association,  RURC Limited submitted a proposal to the Scottish Government to create the Kildean Employability and Enterprise Hub, bringing all 3 buildings (the main building and two former wards)  back into permanent use. Confirmation of funding of £900,000 was received on 9^th March 2017, with the work planned to be complete by the spring of 2018.

The Robertsons Trust have also supported this project awarding £45,000 towards capital costs.

The planned new Hub will become a base for third sector and voluntary organisations who will provide support to individuals through employment and skills training, but also providing links and access to associated support services. Forth Housing Association plan to relocate their office to the site alongside SCE, and capacity for other third sector organisations to either access on-site facilities or relocate to the site will be available.

In addition, one of the ward buildings will be converted into 11 office spaces designed to accommodate small or start-up businesses. Local business support organisation STEP will manage these facilities when they become available from spring 2018 onwards, as well as providing businesses with access to advisers and business support products.

Built in 1904, Kildean Hospital is a listed building of significant architectural importance and sits on an attractive riverside site on Drip Road in the heart of Raploch.

The refurbishment of the former Kildean Hospital site will provide a huge benefit for both the Raploch and wider Stirling areas. Creating a permanent base will allow SCE to continue work in supporting local people into employment. In addition, the refurbished buildings will allow SCE to expand the work we do with other key local agencies, with a more joined up approach to providing support for our customers.

RURC would like to thank the Scottish Government and The Robertsons Trust for their financial support that will enable us to bring this project to life. We would also like to thank Raploch Community Partnership the Raplopch Community Council and all community partners who have been involved in the consultations to date.