EASDALE Brothers Make Another Major Property Purchase

GREENOCK businessmen Sandy and James Easdale have acquired a large waterfront site at Dumbarton, bringing the total value of development projects in which they are involved to well over £400million.

They have purchased the grounds of the former St Michael’s Primary School in Cardross Road for an undisclosed sum through agents JLL, paving the way for a £30million residential development.

Planning permission was previously granted for housing at the 13-acre site, and this will be re-applied for. An early indicative layout shows capacity for around 100 dwellings, comprising detached, semi-detached and terraced family housing.

Final plans will be developed by planning specialists Barton Willmore during 2021.

The Easdales — who also own McGill’s Buses, window manufacturers Saveheat Group as well as an extensive portfolio of high end commercial properties — are driving forward major developments at the former Tullis Russell site in Glenrothes and the ex-IBM Greenock site at Spango Valley.

Also underway is the residential and hotel transformation of the landmark Watt Brothers store on Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street following the building’s purchase in September.

Sandy Easdale said: “The [Cardross Road] land has been primed for housing for some time and we’re delighted to secure the purchase and begin the process of its redevelopment.

“The site enjoys brilliant views in a great position looking across the Clyde estuary and we know that demand for quality residential property in West Dunbartonshire is high.

“We now have more than £400million of residential and commercial development in the pipeline and we anticipate further acquisitions shortly.”

James Easdale said: “Planning permission has already been secured for our site in Glenrothes and we’re hoping we’ll be in a similar position at Spango Valley soon.

“We’ve formed relationships with leading housebuilders over the last few years on those schemes and this will prove invaluable when we come to develop this site.

“This year has provided a huge shock to the economy but Sandy and I remain hugely optimistic that the recovery will be quick.

“Whilst others are shying away from investment, we are looking for new opportunities in both construction and transport and we’re ready to move forward with projects such as Cardross.”