Early Learning Centre demolition approved by Edinburgh councillors after ceiling collapse
It would cost over £3,000 to fix the building after heavy rainfall revealed significant damage
Councillors have approved plans to demolish an Edinburgh Early Learning Centre after a playroom ceiling collapse shut its doors in March.
Hefty costs for repairs were estimated at £352,000 with more funds needed to modernise the building at Calderglen, which is over 50 years old. The decision comes after a debate at the Education, Children, and Families Committee meeting on Tuesday, November 4.
Convener James Dalgleish, speaking in favour of demolition, said: “I think the longer the building lays empty the more the potential of vandalism or even worse – injuries to young people going into the buildings. Albeit it’s never an easy thing to demolish, I think it’s the right thing to do.”
Following heavy rainfall in January 2026, a significant leak in one of the playrooms took place and a small section of the ceiling collapsed. The building was deemed unsafe and has been closed since March.
The early years centre was erected over 50 years ago in 1972 and has operated beyond its intended lifespan, according to a report. Officers recommended demolishing the building while looking for ways to invest in existing schools and community properties.
At the committee, cllr Marie-Claire Munro (Con) asked for more information on the costs of other options. She said: “In the report, replacing the roof would cost £352,000 but it doesn’t tell us how much demolition would cost or what a replacement facility would cost.”
An officer said the demolition price tag would likely be under £100,000. He later estimated a new state-of-the-art nursery might cost around £5m – based on the recent Kirkliston Primary project taking over £8m.
Officers claimed demolition was the best option for cost given capacity was not a problem in the area. An officer told the committee that 75 vacancies are available across the nearbyCanal View Primary, Clovenstone Primary, Sighthill Primary, and Sighthill Early Years Setting.
She added: “Calderglen is registered for 64 but wasn’t full. There is sufficient capacity and more within the area to meet demand for places.”
Another officer feared more structural problems would be discovered if repairs moved forward. He also cited the risk of vandalism to the vacant building. He said: “Every building that we empty is being broken into, people taking TikTok videos. The building will be vandalised, set on fire.”
But the SNP’s Euan Hyslop worried the potential closure of another nearby early years setting could spark capacity needs down the line.
The Drum Brae councillor felt further information was needed on the cost of demolition and building a new school. He added: “If there is need for childcare [in the future], that creates a bit of challenge in the community.”
The SNP group moved an amendment to pause demolition awaiting further assessment and community engagement.
Disagreeing, Lib Dem cllr Steven Younie said: “I think our officers have done quite a good job in presenting why this is a cost-benefit, safety-minded, community-led approach to working out what is best for the community that will be affected by these changes. I find it very surprising there are councillors that are ignoring the advice of officers on such a strong set of options.”
Convener Dalgleish concluded: “What would the community response be if we try to repair it? Further works come along, we leave the building to be vandalised. I think that sends a bad signal. I think we should be reframing this to talk about the investment we are going to have.”
Councillors voted 6-5 to approve the plans and move forward with demolishing the Calderglen centre.