Catholic church to put Edinburgh's Gillis Centre complex up for sale as rising costs bite
Complex deemed no longer fit for purpose following church review
The catholic church is set to put its Edinburgh headquarters up for sale due to the growing costs of carrying out maintenance and repairs.
The church Gillis Centre complex in Marchmont has served as the administrative base of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh since 1993.
Following a process of review by the church, the full complex at 100 Strathearn Road is to be placed on the market for sale.
A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh said: “The Gillis Centre is a very old complex, which means that expenditure for maintenance and repairs continues to grow.
“The complex is too big for the administrative team based here, for the needs of the Archdiocese, and it’s not fit for purpose. The decision is necessary to maintain good financial stewardship of the Archdiocese and to align with our mission and charitable objectives.
“No decision has been made yet about where we will move to, but it will be in Edinburgh. In the meantime, the Archdiocesan headquarters will remain at The Gillis Centre until the sale process concludes, which could take two years or more.
“Offers will be invited from interested parties later in the year when the site is marketed for sale.”
The review process for the Gillis Centre complex factored in the cost of maintaining the building, repairs, its size and suitability for Archdiocesan needs and “the church’s mission”.
Archbishop Leo Cushley said: “This decision comes after a long process of review and discernment. We are responding carefully and responsibly regarding the stewardship of our Archdiocese and how best to support the mission entrusted to us.
“The Trustees and I are required to ensure that resources are used in support of the Archdiocese’s charitable purposes, and our review concluded that continued investment in the current site would not represent the most effective use of those resources.
“The Gillis Centre holds historical, spiritual and personal significance for many clergy and people across the Archdiocese and beyond as a place of formation, prayer, administration, education and encounter, so I ask for your prayers as we undertake this next chapter together.”
The site will be formally placed on the market for sale later in the year. While the sale process is ongoing church administration and events will continue to be based at Gillis.
Fr Jeremy Milne, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, said: “The Gillis Centre holds a special place in our history and people can be assured that the transition is dealt with sensitively.
"We will now work to support the sale process and will relocate to suitable alternative premises in Edinburgh in due course. Clergy and parishioners will be updated throughout this process.”