Exciting plans for Eyemouth Harbour filed with council

A planning bid had been submitted to Scottish Borders Council to transform the Ice House at Gunsgreen Quay, a redundant ice manufacturing plant room, into high quality office space.

The building was originally used as a plant room for the production of ice for use by the fish market, which has now been relocated and confined to the ground floor space.

The plan is also to utilise the roof plant area to create a new roof garden, providing a much-needed sheltered external space to be used by tenants and visitors.

A design and access statement has been prepared on behalf of the applicant, Eyemouth Harbour Trust, by Galmstrup Architects.

It states: “The purpose of the Ice House retrofit is to convert the redundant ice manufacturing plant room at the Eyemouth Harbour into high quality office space. This transformation will provide important work spaces for the wider community, supporting job growth in Eyemouth.

“Eyemouth has a vibrant and active town centre and adjacent harbourside – restaurants, cafes, shops and the beach create a lively atmosphere that people enjoy visiting and living in.

“The project would help to activate the east side of the harbour by stimulating activity in the area and making it a pleasant place to be. The proposed roof garden will provide additional social amenity, and the increased footfall to the building will connect the deep harbour to the rest of the town.

“This will help to tie both sides of the harbour together and create a deeper sense of community for the town focused around the waterfront.”

The project is seen as an opportunity to provide important work spaces within the Eyemouth Conservation Area and support job growth in the town.

The building would incorporate low energy intervention to insulate, ventilate and weatherproof it with minimal effect on the existing structure.

Additionally, there would be new improved access and openings to create a light and comfortable interior and shared outdoor space.