Plans for the former Holmlea Primary School site have been slowed down, due to the global recession and a downturn in the property market.

Holmlea Primary, situated on Holmlea Road, closed in June 2005 to join with Merrylee and Simshill as one big school at the new Friarton Road site, and has been empty ever since.

Gillian Burke, a representative from Glasgow City Council, said it is likely the land will be sold to Cathcart Housing Association, as they have been interested for a long time.

She said: “Cathcart Housing Association is interested in this property, but as discussions are ongoing I cannot comment any further.

“What I can say though, is that we are close to concluding a deal.”

Christine Leitch, director of Cathcart Housing Association, said she has not yet had a definitive answer from the council.

She said: “If and when we get approval, our proposal is for housing, office space and community use, so patience is the name of game just now!”

Earlier plans for the property to be sold to Carrick Property were scrapped when the Council withdrew from the transaction in December 2008, which Mrs Burke said was because of the downturn in the market and protracted negotiations.

The property was transferred back to City Property on October 1 this year.

Mrs Burke said: “In general, property and land disposals always take a lengthy period – quite often years - to complete.

“It has been even more complicated recently because of the recession and the property market being so weak; negotiations are taking longer than usual as both sides would like to get a good deal.”