A former care home in Paisley will be declared “surplus” to requirements and put up for sale by Renfrewshire Council after the move was approved by elected members.
The axe fell on Montrose Care Home in Heriot Avenue, Foxbar, earlier this year after members of the integration joint board (IJB) – which oversees Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) – voted 6-2 to close the facility.
The controversial measure, which was the subject of a protest, was taken in a bid to cut costs amid a challenging financial picture for the HSCP and, it was estimated, pulled in a saving of almost £400,000.
It was subsequently agreed at Wednesday’s infrastructure, land and environment policy board the property should be declared “surplus” to requirements and marketed for sale.
Councillor Kevin Montgomery, a Labour representative for Paisley Southwest, said: “Like other local members and beyond, I was very disappointed in the IJB’s decision to close the facility, Montrose Care Home, which was a well-regarded facility.
“But I do agree with the report. I think it’s in no-one’s interest to see the building sitting empty and I would be very keen to see the facility remain as a care facility.
“It’s got good community support for that, it’s a modern facility and that’s what it’s built for and I hope the marketing exercise works to that end.”
The local authority carried out an options appraisal for the shuttered facility, which did not identify any potential for the organisation or a partner service to use the existing building.
As a result, the council commissioned a specialist agency team to gain a better understanding of the demand for a private care operator to take on the property, with a targeted marketing exercise now due to take place.
A report, which was considered at the meeting, explained: “Following an option appraisal carried out with relevant council services and partner organisations, no known demand for the Montrose Care Home and Day Centre has been identified.
“Given the decision by HSCP to cease their operated service, the building is now empty of residents … the recommendation of this report is that the board agree to declare the property surplus to council requirements and to move towards marketing the property for sale.
“A further report will then be brought back to the board with the outcomes of the marketing exercise in early 2025 for the council to reach a decision on next steps.”
The majority of residents, who previously called Montrose their home, moved on to Hunterhill and Renfrew care homes in recent months.
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