Approval sought for Eyemouth Burgh Chambers conversion
June 7 2016
The B-listed Church Street building dates from 1880 and sits at the heart of Eyemouth’s conservation area but has lain disused for a quarter of a century, casting doubt on its future.
To this end the BIG Lottery are being asked to fund the repair, conservation and re-use of the local landmark, enabling it to be converted for a range of uses including an eco-innovation centre, business hub, community centre, function room offices, café and shop.
This will see Camerons Architects undertake a number of major interventions including demolition of the former town hall to the rear, distinguished only by its hammer beam roof, to allow a new extension to be built.
Outlining their design approach the architects observed: “The strong architectural features of the former Burgh Chambers will continue to command the Church Street elevation and the junction with Renton Terrace as the primary frontage, while a new contemporary public face will be created along the north elevation, containing a new accessible entrance and bringing new life to Renton Terrace.”
To link old and new elements a new entrance, stairwell will be built on Renton Street to enhance accessibility and natural light levels.
A new entrance will be introduced off Renton Terrace
A former town hall to the rear will be levelled to make way for a new build extension
A variety of community spaces will be created in the phased build
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5 Comments
#1 Posted by Islands of sanity on 7 Jun 2016 at 16:48 PM
This piece of icing cake architecture deserves a future and the existing extension was a burden too far. Welcome these proposals and hope the funding comes through.
#2 Posted by Sceptical Resident on 7 Jun 2016 at 17:26 PM
A complete waste of money ,we have empty office spaces in the town for rent and more cafes than we need all fighting for trade .As for learning centres the Community Centre and Connect at Tedda have every opportunity with for people who want to learn new skills or take courses
#3 Posted by Terra on 8 Jun 2016 at 00:18 AM
It's a beautiful building. To the resident, buildings like this are part of your towns, and the wider countries heritage and cultural fabric. They have to be restored when needed and kept in appropriate, tasteful use.
#4 Posted by Anonymous local on 8 Jun 2016 at 06:51 AM
It'll be great to see the former burgh chambers refurbished and put back into use. Such a shame a beautiful building has lain empty for so long. I'm not sure if I'm sold on the idea of demolishing the town hall only to build a new extension. I agree with sceptical resident regarding offices/cafe, though another space for learning would be great if it was fit for purpose. The community centre and tedda don't quite have the space or availability, or the right technology. It would be brilliant if borders college could use the space to run courses, and rather than a café why not have a kitchen that can be rented out by people interested in starting their own business or interested in learning to cook? They could then use the shop to sell their baked goods and have help to start their own enterprise. There's also a sewing group for example started up at tedda, which is in need of a dedicated space, so a classroom that could be used for things like that would be beneficial. Plenty of office spaces elsewhere!
#5 Posted by CADMonkey on 8 Jun 2016 at 10:08 AM
A dedicated space to learn how to make shell necklaces and driftwood scultures is also badly needed.
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