PLANS have been unveiled by pub chain Wetherspoon’s to extend its premises in Galashiels.

Bosses want to take develop an empty butcher’s shop and incorporate it into the popular Hunters Hall bar.

They also want to create an extended outdoors dining area to the rear of the neighbouring premises.

A spokesman for Wetherspoon’s said: “The majority of the existing appearance will remain the same with the front elevation of the butcher’s re-using existing openings.

“Whilst to the rear the existing outbuildings will be retained in form with mainly internal alterations including the removal of the intermediate floor to enhance the space and make suitable for an external dining area.”

JB Hogg butchers closed in 2013 with the retiral of Jim Hogg.

A butcher’s business has traded from the premises for close to a century.

But since the closure the shop has remained empty.

Wetherspoon’s hope to retain the character of the retail premises during the development.

The spokesman added: “During the design of the current proposals, it has been noted that the proposed development is located within the Galashiels conservation area, and as such the proposals to the front elevation are very minor.

“Moreover, the retention of the rear outbuilding ensures the understanding of the built fabric of the site is retained.”