For Sale on the instructions of the Natural Environment Research Agency

RESEARCH STATION, BANCHORY, ABERDEENSHIRE AB31 4BW, SCOTLAND

Lot 1 Main Laboratory Complex, The Pavilion, Workshop, Store/Workroom, Student Accommodation, Glasshouses, Hut and all associated buildings and land
Offers over £650,000


Lot 2 The Bungalow with approximately 0.5 acre of land – Offers over £150,000

LOCATION

The property is located at Brathens 2.5 miles northwest of Banchory, a small prosperous market and tourist centre 20 miles West of Aberdeen. The site is in a secluded location but easily accessible from the A93 and A980 trunk roads. National rail services are available at Aberdeen, which also has an international airport.
 

THE PROPERTY

The Banchory Research Centre is a complex of buildings centred around the main administrative laboratory building and surrounded by over 72 acres of mixed, mostly birch, woodland. The main building complex is located in the western part of the landholding enjoying views over the surrounding woodland and, to the west, the Cairngorms. The property is offered in two parcels; the main complex and the majority of the woodland, and the bungalow with an acre of surrounding woodland.


TENURE

The Feuhold interest in the property is for sale. The vendors, NERC, will sell the property with vacant possession. The Feuhold is subject to existing rights of access across the property in favour of Scottish Water, and wayleaves benefiting Scottish Hydro-Electric. The Macaulay Institute are currently undertaking some experiments in the woodland area, the licences are likely to continue until 2008. Rights of access will need to be granted to the purchaser of the bungalow, which can be sold as a separate lot.

With regard to residential uses, these are unlikely to be supported by the Planning Authority excepting, perhaps, the provisions relating to the construction of large country mansions. The bungalow at the entrance to the site has residential use.

LOT 1:

Lot 1 includes the majority of the site including all of the main complex and the majority of the surrounding woodland. The buildings within the complex are:

(1) Main Laboratory Complex
The building was effectively constructed in two phases, the first phase in the 1970s and the remainder in the 1990s. Both phases are integrated with each other and comprise of ground and first floor with a basement at sub-ground level under the eastern part. In total it provides approximately 1,455m2 GIA of accommodation. It consists of a portal steel frame and metal profile roof with external cladding in horizontal timber board with areas of brickwork rendered and painted. The accommodation provides cellular layout accessed from a central corridor on the ground and first floor. There is no lift but the property benefits from central heating, a reception area, kitchen and canteen facilities. Some of the floor space is given over to laboratory uses but this is of a relatively low tech standard and could be converted to alternative uses, such as offices.

(2) The Pavilion
This is a small (approx 48m2 GIA) single storey timber frame building, which is fitted out as offices and workrooms under a metal profile roof.

(3) Workshop
This is a somewhat dated construction, similar to prefabricated concrete sectional structure, totaling approximately 74m2 GIA. It has the benefit of electricity and water.

(4) Store/Workroom
This is a simple structure comprising of metal corrugated external cladding and an asbestos roof. It has water and electricity supply but is only basic accommodation of approximately 83m2 GIA. Adjacent to the building are various wooden stores and general storage areas.

(5) Student Accommodation
Originating as a flat roofed wooden frame “portakabin”, the unit has been converted for residential purposes for visiting students and employees. It provides approximately 88m2 GIA of accommodation divided into 4 bedrooms and communal eating and washing area. The unit has the benefit of UPVC windows, electricity and water supplies. It has temporary Planning Approval.

(6) Glasshouses
Adjacent to the student accommodation there are 3 metal frame glasshouses sitting on concrete foundations and totalling 93m2 GIA.

(7) Hut
The Hut is remote from the main complex and involves a single storey timber clad structure which is neglected and in need of repair. It provides approximately 84m2 of basic accommodation and would be suitable for conversion or replacement (subject to Planning Approval).

LOT 2:

The Bungalow and Surrounding Land
This was previously the caretaker’s property, but is currently used by visitors or students. It is a three bedroom bungalow, totalling approximately 84m2 with an adjacent single garage situated at the main entrance adjacent to the public road. Of simple construction of harled blockwork under a concrete tiled roof. It has the benefit of being surrounded by pleasant woodland. With the benefit of an appropriate Planning Approval, it offers an opportunity for expansion of the residential space. Water and electricity are available; foul drainage is to a septic tank and central heating is from an enclosed Parkray Fire in the lounge. An area of woodland is offered with this property, which will also enjoy rights of access to and from the public highway.