Balerno Police Station

Eala provided support to Balerno Village Trust in developing a feasibility study and business case for taking on their local Police Station, which was to be sold off by Police Scotland.

Working with Community Enterprise as the Business Case Consultant, we worked closely with them and the client group to work from their existing knowledge about about their community and its needs. We took part in stakeholder interviews and and supported a consultation event at their regular Farmers Market to get the views of locals can connect with potential users.

The initial survey of the building revealed it was in good condition, though with medium term maintenance needs. This helped to inform the business plan, making sure that the revenue model for the income was sufficient to build up a sinking fund sufficient to fill those needs and creating a resilient and sustainable plan. We also identified minimal interventions in the existing building to achieve the aims of the potential users identified in the community consultation events.

The culmination of the exercise was a successful application of the Scottish Land fund to purchase the building. We have gained Planning and Warrant consent and are progressing to procurement of the works.

Long term planning, for guardianship and community benefit.