AN expression of interest to take on the former Interfloor Factory in Dumfries is to be submitted by the council.
It was agreed last week that the local authority will make such a move under the Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme.
However, councillors noted this is not binding and they remain cautious about taking full responsibility for the derelict Heathhall site.
During discussions at the economy and infrastructure committee, Abbey Cllr Ian Blake said: “We all agree there are significant issues there. This is the first step.
“Without doubt, the age of the building etc, there’s a high probability of contamination from different materials, asbestos etc. It will take significant investment into it and we need to look very carefully at what responsibility we take at any particular stage.”
Cllr Blake also hit out at Historic Environment Scotland’s insistence that it cannot be demolished because of its listing status.
He said: “The default position of HES is that they will protect the integrity of listed buildings, but there are cases where it’s not viable.”
Meanwhile, North West Dumfries Cllr Paula Stevenson suggested asking the Scottish Government to come down and see the location first hand, saying: “It’s in a terrible condition.”
Commenting on the current crumbling state of the site, Annandale North Cllr Stephen Thompson said: “It’s long been a health and wellbeing issues for that part of Dumfries.”
And Nith Cllr David Slater added: “It’s absolutely disgraceful and so sad to see it in such a state.”
Councillors also agreed that structural and contaminated land surveys should be carried out at Interfloor.
Concluding discussions, Cllr Blake said: “We are doing as much as we possibly can to try and get this situation resolved and we recognise that this has to be done with an element of urgency.”
