New optimism for Veitch's eyesore
Graham Ford • Published 4 Jan 2013 06:30
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POSITIVE progress is being made towards opening the empty Veitch's shop on Peebles High Street.
A number of businesses have already shown an interest in re-opening the iconic building, while Tweeddale MP David Mundell has reported an encouraging outcome following a meeting with himself and Sir Phillip Hampton, Chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland, who own the building.
Speaking to the Peeblesshire News, David Mundell said: "I met with Sir Phillip Hampton and I made it absolutely clear to him that I think that RBS has a responsibility in relation to property that they own on High Street's like Peebles and in particular the Veitch's property. He undertook that the bank would take a very positive role in terms of getting a solution."
Since the story was first announced in the Peeblesshire News there is significant business interest in re-opening the shop, Davin Mundell added: "Since the story broke I have been contacted by people who are very interested in taking on the building on for commercial use and are already in touch with the planning department at Scottish Borders Council. The key to that going ahead is ensuring that RBS are both quick and reasonable with their demands in relation to the building. It is hugely significant that people are interested, it is a viable opportunity and I will continue to chase up Sir Phillip Hampton to ensure the Royal Bank of scotland do their bit. I am hoping that between myself, Peebles Community Council and local SBC Councillors we will all continue to work together to get the building occupied. I have had some really positive feedback from members of the public there is a great deal of interest within Peebles to see this building operational as quickly as possible. It would be a huge step forward for Peebles High Street."
The beautiful building has been allowed to stand empty for several years and Peebles Community Council has been particularly vociferous in attempting to restore the building to its former glory.
This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 28 Jan 13
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