February 10 2020

The derelict Killearn Hotel is set to be demolished to allow construction of 16 apartments in a like-for-like replacement under new plans submitted to Stirling Council.

Located in a conservation area the hotel frames views of the A-listed Buchanan Monument in the heart of the village but the existing building has been left to deteriorate to the point that the façade is considered to be in a poor condition, prompting plans to demolish and replace.

Explaining the need to start again Mosaic Architecture + Design wrote: “The main portion of the façade is of heterogeneous construction (including sandstone, random rubble and brick) and previous partial demolition and reconstruction appears to have occurred. The precast floor construction, typically with bearing built into the masonry façade, is not amenable to retention of the façade due to the weak point created when the precast floor is cut adjacent to the internal face of the masonry.”

Under the plans it is proposed to move the building line and introduce a new section of pavement on Balfron Road to improve traffic flow while replicating the overall form of the current hotel, including its distinctive twin gable façade while rear elevations are given a more contemporary feel.

Finished in wet dash render with timber windows the properties will be built to the highest thermal efficiency standards.

6 Comments

#1 Posted by Everyone's a critic on 10 Feb 2020 at 13:45 PM

Is this:
A. Lazy?
B. Abysmal?
C. Both of the above?

#2 Posted by Jacqueline Sheppard on 11 Feb 2020 at 09:10 AM

Looks very promising, and to be rid of the current eyesore a huge bonus

#3 Posted by Good Design Matters on 11 Feb 2020 at 09:58 AM

What a disappointing proposal containing a half hearted attempt at a replica building. A fresh and adventurous approach to the design of buildings on this site could transform this part of the village and create a new and meaningful small public space as well.

#4 Posted by Catherine Frew on 11 Feb 2020 at 11:45 AM

Pity it couldn't be returned to the original with gardens and open space. No profit in that. https://killearnontheweb.co.uk/photos/old-photos/black-bull-hotel/

#5 Posted by Robin B's Discount on 11 Feb 2020 at 12:09 PM

@#4. Correct, there would be little profit in that which is exactly why it wont be returned to original. Are you suggesting that it is a bad thing that private developers are not interested in losing money for community projects? Strange mindset.

#6 Posted by Auntie Nairn on 13 Feb 2020 at 13:23 PM

Why on earth would you do this? Even if you wanted to maintain some semblance of the massing of the original building, it's hardly an outstanding piece of Architecture, and the replacement is bland to the point of pointlessness.

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