Programme of refurbishment at the Chambers Institution
David O'Leary • Published 24 Dec 2010 09:30
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WORK to refurbish accommodation within the Chambers Institution is set to begin in the next few weeks.
The improvements - which include the development of a joint Council and VisitScotland Contact Centre, better access to and between the Library and Museum, and refurbishment of accommodation at the rear of the building – were put on hold while arrangements to revitalise the Chambers Institution Trust were completed.
Councillor Michael Cook, Executive Member for Corporate Improvement at Scottish Borders Council said: "These works form a package of investments in this building aimed at modernising local services, improving public access and helping to develop a more sustainable future for the Chambers Institution.
"Over the past year we have been working with the Trustees to ensure that these works are consistent with the conditions of the gifts of both William Chambers and Doctor Andrew Carnegie and that they comply with the requirements of Historic Scotland and local planning policies."
Winter weather permitting, it is anticipated that the works will get underway over – or just after – the Christmas break with completion in late spring of next year.
Councillor Graham Garvie, who is one of the Chambers Institution Trustees, said: "While the works are taking place there will inevitably be some disruption to services but we will be seeking to keep this to a minimum and put alternative temporary arrangements in place."
Councillor Neil Calvert, chair of the Chambers Institution Trust, said: "These works represent a major step forward for both the modernisation of public services in Peebles and in the development of this important building.
"Like my fellow trustees, I'm looking forward to the completion of these works in late spring next year."
Interim arrangements during the closure are -
* A temporary, reduced, library service will operate from the Burgh Hall from 10am on January 17. This temporary service will operate on a daily basis and will include access to two PCs and a small collection of adult and children's fiction and non-fiction, large print, talking books and DVDs. The collections will be changed on a regular basis.
* Users who can access the internet are reminded that they can search for and request items from the Library Services' lending collections by logging onto http://librarysearch.scotborders.gov.uk. Users need their library card number and PIN to access this facility and can obtain their PIN from any SBC library or by telephoning 01750 20842. For Peebles users collecting requested items from the temporary library the reservation fee will be waived.
* The temporary library will operate on the following times - Monday 10am-4pm; Tuesday 10am-6pm; Wednesday 10am-4pm; Thursday 10am-6pm; Friday 10am-4pm.
* On Saturdays, from January 8, a mobile library will be provided in the High Street from 9am–12 noon.
* Innerleithen Library opening hours will be extended from January 17 - Monday 10am-1pm, 2.30pm-5pm, 5.30pm-7pm; Tuesday 10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm; Wednesday 10am-1pm, 2.30pm-5pm, 5.30pm-7pm; Thursday 10am-12pm; Friday 2pm-5pm; Saturday closed.
* Tweeddale Museum and Gallery and the museum offices will be closed to the public for the duration of the works but museum staff will be in the building and contactable by phone 01721 724820 or museums@scotborders.gov.uk.
* The Registrar's office will continue to operate as normal – although over the Christmas period it will close at 3pm on Friday 24 December, opening from 9am – 1pm on December 29, 30 and 31 of and opening as normal from 9.30am on Wednesday 5 of January 2011.
* Customer Services will continue to operate as normal from their temporary location at Rosetta Road (the Customer Services offices will be closed for the Christmas break from December 24 reopening on January 5).
* The VisitScotland Information Centre will be temporarily relocated to the former Council Contact centre premises on the High St from Tuesday December 14 (weather permitting). Temporary signage will be put in place to direct visitors.
This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 24 Dec 10
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