Edinburgh councillors approve demolition of damaged early learning centre

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 21:57 · Archive

Councillors have approved plans to demolish Calderglen Early Learning Centre after a significant ceiling collapse shut its doors in March. The damage occurred following heavy rainfall in January 2026 that caused a major leak in one of the playrooms. The building, erected in 1972, was deemed unsafe and has remained closed since the incident.

Repair costs were estimated at £352,000, with additional funds needed to modernise the structure. Officers recommended demolition, estimating the work would cost under £100,000. A new state-of-the-art nursery facility might cost around £5 million, based on recent school projects in the area. Officers claimed there was no capacity problem in the area that would necessitate replacement.

Convener James Dalgleish backed demolition, saying: '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.' Councillor Marie-Claire Munro requested more detailed cost information for other options before the final decision was reached.

How it is being reported

• Early Learning Centre demolition approved by Edinburgh councillors after ceiling collapseIt would cost over £3,000 to fix the building after heavy rainfall revealed significant damageEdinburgh Evening News · 4 Nov, 17:59
• Plans to demolish shuttered Edinburgh early years centre approved by councillorsFollowing 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.Edinburgh Live · 4 Nov, 14:10

In this story: Calderglen Early Learning Centre · Edinburgh · James Dalgleish · Marie-Claire Munro

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