Balerno police station to transform into new community hub
Police Scotland has confirmed the successful sale of Balerno police station, which will be redeveloped by Balerno Village Trust (BVT).
This concludes a long period of planning and engagement with BVT, who will transform the former station into a community hub for children and local groups/businesses.
The sale has been warmly received in the community, with local elected members and residents showing strong support for BVT vision. It represents a positive example of how former police stations can be given a new purpose that directly benefits local people.
Superintendent Paul Gillespie said: “We are pleased to see Balerno police station take on a new purpose at the heart of the community. By working closely with local partners, we can ensure that surplus properties continue to provide long term value and benefit for the local community.”
Part of the space will be leased for after school childcare, while other areas will be developed into meetings rooms and community spaces available for hire by local groups and small businesses. These facilities are designed to provide new opportunities, services and support for residents across the village.
Chair of Balerno Village Trust, Emma Galloway said: “We are delighted to be able to transfer ownership of Balerno police station from Police Scotland to the community and are grateful for the support we have received both from them and the Scottish Land Fund to enable Balerno Village Trust to purchase it. The community has told us what an important asset it is to them and we are looking forward to transforming it to create a vibrant community hub with childcare facilities that will make Balerno an even better place to live, work and visit.”
The sale was completed through the Community Asset Transfer process, a framework that enables community groups to repurpose surplus public buildings. Police Scotland uses this process to help ensure that properties no longer needed for policing can continue to serve and benefit local communities.
