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Town regeneration continues with sale of 'eyesore' hotel

David KnoxBBC Scotland News
BBC A man in a dark top and dark trousers stands across the street from a large sandstone buildingBBC
Matt Morrison has big plans for the former Douglas Bridge Hotel in Galashiels

A town centre "eyesore" in Galashiels is set for a makeover after being bought by a local developer.

The former Douglas Bridge Hotel was converted into apartments and retail units following its closure in the 1980s.

However, concern has grown recently about the condition and appearance of the upper floors of the 135-year-old town centre building.

Thirlestane Investments concluded the purchase this month - and revealed plans for a major refurbishment.

Director Matt Morrison said: "It has been an eyesore for some time but we are keen to spend a lot of money on bringing the building back."

The sale of the category C-listed building excludes the ground-floor retail units.

But the upper three floors of the J&J Hall-designed hotel will still require 58 new windows as part of the refurbishment.

Other planned improvements include sensitive restoration of features, new heating and insulation.

Discussions are also taking place about the introduction of solar panels on the roof.

Mr Morrison added: "Given the building's age, there are significant works required.

"The energy performance and exterior look is poor, but it fills me with pride that we will own and improve such an eye-catching and historic building."

A man with short dark hair and a dark top smiles at the camera, with a purple door behind him
Matt Morrison collected the keys for the 12-apartment block earlier in December

Galashiels has been undergoing town-centre regeneration work since the reopening of the Borders Railway a decade ago.

But several central streets still suffer from empty shops and neglected buildings.

As well as the sale of the former hotel, Scottish Borders Housing Association has just purchased the former Burtons and Dorothy Perkins outlets on the opposite side of Channel Street for conversion into flats and smaller retail units.