The Dalkeith Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) and Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) has awarded grants to the following buildings in the High Street: 75,77,79-81, 87-89 and 41.
All these properties are priority buildings in the scheme.
Nos 75,77,79-81 High Street involve 8 owners who have come together to share the costs of repairing and restoring their buildings. These are 3 storey stone tenement buildings with shops on the ground floor and flats above. They are located in a prominent position in the High Street opposite the junction with South Street. The repair and restoration work involves roof repairs, repair and replacement of stone work, refurbishment of the shop at 81, new windows and the restoration of existing historic windows, new rainwater goods and chimney and associated leadwork repair. No 77 has a rendered front which will be repaired and repainted. The building contractor is G .Griggs and Sons from Musselburgh and work starts the week of 10th October for a 26 week contract, finishing at the end of April 2012.
Nos 87-89 High Street is a 3 storey stone, mid terrace building with shop on the ground floor with a flat above. This property is further along from 75-81 on the same side of the street. The 2 owners here and the shop tenant have got together to repair and restore the character of the property. The work comprises, new roof, new windows on the front elevation, repairs to the stonework, new rainwater goods and a new shopfront designed to be more in keeping with the character of the building.
No 41 is a 3 storey double fronted building, on the same side of the street as 75-81 but further south. The building has a large shopfront on the ground floor with office and flat above. The work involves the repair and repainting of the front rendered elevation, new windows, repairs to rear walls and a new shopfront designed to be more in keeping with the historic character of the building.
The work to all these properties will be carried out using materials and techniques that will restore the character of the buildings. Where new stonework is proposed this will be carefully selected to match the orginal as will the roofing slate. Lime mortar will be used to repoint and repair stonework and lead will be used in roof and gutter repair. The new shopfronts will make a significant improvement to the appearance of the buildings and will enhance their historic character. The Dalkeith Shopfront Design Guide launched earlier in the year has influenced the design of the new shopfronts and the refurbishment of the original shopfront at 81 High Street.
An important part of the Dalkeith THI/CARS is training and education and the contractors involved in these projects will be encouraged to participate in the training programme. There is the opportunity to involve trainees in the repair and restoration of rear boundary walls along the rear of properties along this side of the street.
The work will compliment the recently completed High Street enhancement and improvements to the Vennels
75,77,79-81 High Street. 87-89 High Street 41 High Street Work Starts
