Plans unveiled to convert Galashiels mill

Ally McGilvray • Published 9 Nov 2011 09:30 2 Comments

PLANS have been unveiled to transform a redundant mill building in the Borders into student accommodation.

East Lothian based developer Ewen Brown has applied to Scottish Borders Council for planning permission to convert Bristol Mill in Magdala Terrace, Galashiels.

He claimed the 108 bed development would serve students attending the nearby Heriot-Watt University and Borders College and ease concerns over a shortage of rented accommodation in the town, as well as breath new life into the dilapidated B-listed building which has lain empty for several years.

Mr Brown said: "I'm incredibly enthusiastic about this development and I sincerely believe it will make a positive contribution to the social and economic development of Galashiels.

"Currently Bristol Mill is in a poor state of repair, it's uninhabitable and many would consider it an eyesore. Others consider it of architectural merit and of such historical importance that it has been given a B category listing by Historic Scotland."

But he added: "I'm sure everyone will agree that its refurbishment is greatly needed and will be an improvement to not only the immediate area but also to the town. The development will also complement the University and College in that the extra accommodation choice will encourage students to choose to study in the Borders."

Tweet

This article appeared in Border Telegraph 09 Nov 11

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

• 

  eildon87
  2 posts
  Nov 11, 01:08
  Report comment

  An excellent project. This mill deserves to be in use and not allowed to become any more derelict.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 1     No 0

• 

  dereks
  Unregistered User
  Nov 13, 15:23
  Report comment

  It's good the building is being put to some use. However, it's a bit of a trek getting from there down to Netherdale every day, so hopefully they'll be able to fill it?
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

Post a comment

Your Comment:

Registered users log in here

Username or email

Password

If you are registered with us, you can login here. If you are not registered, do so now.
Once logged in you wont have to complete word verification each time you post.

Prefer not to register?

Screen Name *required

Email (not displayed) *required

Usernames must be 4 - 20 characters. Registration only takes a few minutes. Registered users can also take part in competitions and other features of the site.

Word Verification:
Enter the text as shown.

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.

Follow @bordertelegraph