THE former headquarters building of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in Edinburgh has been sold to Edinburgh University for £8 million.
The building in Lauriston Place will form part of the Edinburgh College of Art’s plans to transform the area into a hub for arts and culture.
The Edinburgh Museum of Fire, currently located at Lauriston, will move to a new purpose-built location within Edinburgh. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is funding the restoration and curation of the artefacts in preparation for the move to its new home.
The sale was conducted by competitive tender with the university being named preferred bidder for the building.
At the time the university stated: “The acquisition of the important heritage site will extend further the College of Art’s presence in the locality which extends back over a century.”
The SFRS was advised by lawyers Shoosmiths’ real estate partner Stephen Dougherty and senior associate Laura Bloxham.
Russell Munn, estates and valuation surveyor at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “Shoosmiths has provided a first-class service in terms of providing real estate legal advice throughout this transaction.
“We are delighted that this important building will transfer to the care of the University of Edinburgh. They share our understanding of the building’s past and will ensure it remains an important part of Edinburgh’s heritage long into the future.”
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