Craigforth Campus: Decay as demolition stalls at iconic Stirling site

There are calls for better security at an iconic site on the edge of Stirling after new pictures showed it in a state of decay.

In July last year, Stirling Council gave the go-ahead for the Ambassador Group to transform the derelict Craigforth Campus with new housing, a nursery, a hotel, a restaurant or pub, a gym, and a retail or community space.

But, more than 10 months on, there were no signs of progress on the multi-million-pound regeneration scheme.

Instead, the former offices on the 54-hectare site were visibly crumbling, with rubble, smashed windows and glass apparent throughout.

When The Courier’s Stephen Eighteen visited the Stirling site at the end of May, there were no security staff present.

Graffiti at Craigforth Campus — Graffiti was apparent throughout the estate. Image: Stephen Eighteen/DC Thomson

Graffiti on the Stirling building's walls — Doors had been torn down. Image: Stephen Eighteen/DC Thomson

A glass extension at Craigforth Campus — A glass extension looked unloved. Image: Stephen Eighteen/DC Thomson

Temporary fencing panels had been pulled apart, allowing unobstructed access to the 54-hectare site.

The campus, once the proud UK home of insurance giant Prudential, was littered with graffiti and potentially dangerous rubble.

Stirling North Conservative councillor Rachel Nunn is one of many local politicians concerned about the safety of the site.

“I’m aware that the Ambassador Group has had considerable challenges with organised crime accessing the site, despite on-site security, to remove items of value,” she said.

‘Stirling site is unsafe’

“Over months, the site has become increasingly unsafe through acts of vandalism and theft.

“I would emphasise to parents, and indeed to anyone who works with children, to underline the acute dangers of playing in a damaged building, and strongly discourage access.

“No one wants a tragedy through misadventure.

“I have reached out to the Ambassador Group to ask about their continued site security and ask when development will begin as, ultimately, the risk is removed once the site is developed.”

A fire assembly point sign — A sign showing the former fire assembly point from when offices were here. Image: Stephen Eighteen/DC Thomson

A broken bus shelter — Weeds growing in front of a former bus shelter. Image: Stephen Eighteen/DC Thomson

Ms Nunn’s party colleague Stephen Kerr, MSP for Central Scotland, said: “It is a sad reflection on Stirling that this building remains unoccupied.

“Stirling Council needs to work closely with the owners of the site to bring it into use, but the big problem here is criminals vandalising the site.”

Jim Thomson, Stirling North SNP councillor, said: “It is very upsetting to find the developer appears to have withdrawn the security that existed on this site.

“Planning permission was granted some time ago.

“I know that officers of the council are seeking answers from the developer, but I would urge them to restore a level of security that protects another building in danger.”

The degrading buildings at the site — The contrast between the flourishing trees and degrading buildings was stark. Image: Stephen Eighteen/DC Thomson

Gaps in the temporary fencing mean the area is not secure. Image: Stephen Eighteen/DC Thomson

Broken windows at a Craigforth Campus building — Few windows have been left intact. Image: Stephen Eighteen/DC Thomson

The former offices at Craigforth Campus were once a proud example of 1960s brutalism.

But window panes were shattered and doors destroyed as the structures took on a skeletal appearance with forgotten interiors visible from the outside.

Shattered windows and graffiti — A dramatic image of shattered windows on a block. Image: Stephen Eighteen/DC Thomson

A smashed window — This pane was damaged but just about intact. Image: Stephen Eighteen/DC Thomson

A sign warning the public to steer clear. Image: Stephen Eighteen/DC Thomson

Shattered glass on the ground — Shattered glass is a hazard at Craigforth Campus. Image: Stephen Eighteen/DC Thomson

Plants growing into the abandoned building — Nature was showing its hand, three years after the area was last occupied. Image: Stephen Eighteen/DC Thomson

Craigforth Campus was one of Stirling’s biggest employment hubs when it was the main office location for Prudential in the UK.

The buildings are seen every day by thousands of motorists and passengers travelling along the M9 near junction 10.

But they have been left unused since M&G – which took on the land after demerging with Prudential in 2019 – moved to new premises at Kildean Business Park in 2022.

Hopes the land would soon be restored to its former glory have been hit by the apparent stalling of demolition work.

While no equipment or vehicles were visible on the site, a large pile of rubble gathered around 30 metres from the former office entrance indicated clearance work had begun.

Meanwhile, debris and numerous shards of smashed glass were present throughout.