The preparatory works at the Chambers Institution in Peebles began on Tuesday 10 November and are scheduled to last for 12 weeks. These works are designed to prepare the historic building ahead of the main construction phase, which is expected to start early in the New Year.
Key elements of the enabling works include opening up sections of the building to support structural design and identify maintenance issues. Redundant services and materials that will be replaced during the main works will be stripped out, and existing service routes will be tracked. These operations will be entirely contained within the building and carried out by the Scottish Borders Council's SBc Contracts team.
To accommodate project skips, five parking spaces on Peebles High Street will be temporarily unavailable. The project, funded by the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund with council support, aims to significantly improve accessibility, co-locate key services, and enhance opportunities for residents and visitors.
“"With initial discussions held back in 2023, I’m pleased that planned work is now underway at the Peebles Chambers Institution. I want to thank the local community and businesses for their understanding throughout the process, and we can now look forward to a new and improved accessible space for all upon completion of this refurbishment work."
“"The Chambers Institution is a much-valued community asset, and securing its long-term future remains at the heart of this project. The enabling works are an important step in preparing the historic building for the improvements ahead, helping to ensure it can continue to serve the people of Peebles for generations to come."
Separately, bus stop build-out works on Peebles High Street, unrelated to the Chamber Institution Project, have been rescheduled from 18 November to January 2027. This decision was made to minimise disruption during the festive period for residents, businesses, and visitors. Further communications regarding the enabling and main works will be issued regularly.
