A dilapidated 147-year-old building in Lockerbie is to be transformed into residential flats and a community wellbeing centre.
An ambitious £6 million redevelopment of the old school has been given the go-ahead by the council’s planning committee.
The building on Dryfe Road, which was first constructed in 1875, was last used as offices by the local authority but has been lying empty since 2013.
A community group, the Lockerbie Old School Project, and Cunninghame Housing Association came up with plans to create eight flats and a wellbeing centre to bring the building back to life.
Matthew Holloway, an agent representing the project, shared more details at the planning committee.
He said: “The centre will provide a range of flexible and adaptable spaces for the whole community to use, having a full programme of social, cultural and educational events happening throughout the year.
“It will drive the economy of Lockerbie by providing business start-up courses, spaces for innovation and entrepreneurs, as well as providing much-needed meeting room space.
“The eight new flats will provide bespoke homes for residents of Turning Point Scotland currently living in accommodation
elsewhere in Lockerbie which is
not fit for purpose.
“Residents will be able to engage and participate in the community events and activities that will be on offer at the old school.”
He added: “Analysis carried out in 2021 by Social Value UK showed that the old school project would reduce social isolation, increase pride in the town, improve mental health, create opportunities to learn and improve employability.
“For every pound invested, the wellbeing centre will create £3.27 worth of social value and the residential accommodation will create £5.80 worth of social value.”
Lockerbie and District Community Council had lodged an objection to the plans, raising concerns about traffic congestion as the site is near to the town’s academy.
However, planning officers recommended approval of the proposals and council co-leader Stephen Thompson agreed.
Mr Thompson said: “I’ve heard about community concerns on road safety issues potentially along that street at school times.
“I think it’s hard to avoid that, given the design of Lockerbie town historically and otherwise. That’s something we have to mitigate and manage.
Councillors unanimously agreed to approve the Lockerbie Old School redevelopment plans.
