BT call centre site in Alness to be split into three as owners seek to find new tenants for Ross-shire building
A former BT call centre site which shut last year with the loss of around 100 jobs could be split into threer as its owners seek to return it to use.
Ardroy House in Alness’s Teaninich Industrial Estate, has lain vacant since early in 2024 following telecoms giant BT’s controversial decision to shutter its call centre in the building.
That move was a bitter blow for Alness, with as many as one in 50 of its residents affected by the closure in some form. The decision was also slammed by unions and community leaders, and even led to the matter being raised in Holyrood by concerned MSPs.
Now Ark Estates has lodged a planning application with Highland Council to split the building into three distinct units/bays as it seeks to increase the chances of finding new occupants for the site.
If approved, the building would be partitioned into three units with floor spaces of 3765 sq ft, 3650 sq ft and 2475 sq ft respectively - and its use changed to suit a range of industrial options, from office space, to general industry, and even as a distribution centre.
It is not known if Ark Estates has potential tenants lined up, or if the application is merely to increase the site’s attractiveness to a wider range of possible businesses.
A supporting statement lodged by Ark Estates’ agents Trail Architects said: “Our brief was to minorly adapt the existing building to bring it back to viable use by splitting the large vacant space into three smaller units, that linked into the wider industrial estate suitable for use classes four, five and six.
“The brief is led by an energy efficient initiative, promoting the use of energy efficient solutions where possible, which would include zero carbon strategies to be implemented including solar PVs to improve the energy efficiencies. The proposal aims to enhance commercial opportunities within the Teaninich Industrial Estate, utilising sustainable design solutions wherever practicalities allow.”
They continued: “We understand the current building’s most recent use was as part of the wider business park operated by a national telecoms company, although there is evidence within the existing structure of larger goods doors having previously been installed.”
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