Deal to build flats saves school facing demolition

A VICTORIAN school building has been saved from demolition after being sold to a housing developer.

The former Niddrie Mill Primary, on Niddrie Mains Road, will be turned into 12 flats, with a further 43 homes to the side and back of the building.

It follows fears that the historic building would have to be demolished after a previous plan to turn it into flats fell through.

The development of the old school originally formed part of developer Parc's 15-year masterplan to transform the Craigmillar area with new housing, schools and public spaces.

Despite gaining planning permission for the conversion of the building, it later emerged that Parc could not afford to undertake the work and demolition seemed the most likely option, given the rapidly deteriorating condition of the building.

However, a report by Dave Anderson, director of city development for the council, reveals that a new deal has been struck with property development company New City Vision, which has bought the school for 860,000. The proceeds of the sale will be reinvested into the regeneration of Craigmillar.

The news will come as a relief to local community members, who have been fighting for months to save the building.

Portobello and Craigmillar councillor Mike Bridgman said: "It's good to see that the building is being retained.

"If it's going to be developed in the manner in which it was supposed to be previously, then that's great news."

Niddrie Mill Primary, which closed in 2008 to make way for a 16 million joint-campus school with St Francis Primary, has been plagued by vandalism while standing empty.

In March 2009, a huge blaze started deliberately destroyed two 1970s buildings to the rear.

Demolition looked the most likely option as the council admitted it would not be able to afford the costs of securing the building long term.

Campaigners looked into getting the building listed by Historic Scotland. They previously stated the school was one of the last remaining buildings built from Niddrie brick, however, council officials have confirmed that it is in fact made from Portobello brick.

The new homes within the building will be a mix of one, two and three-bedroom flats.

The Wauchope Memorial Cross, situated at the front of the building, will be kept.

Councillor Tom Buchanan, economic development leader, said: "Thanks to direct action by Parc in conjunction with New City Vision, this important building has been saved for posterity. This development will also create much-needed new homes, as well as preserving the war memorial at the front of the property."