Ex-café Potting Shed to be converted for Galashiels Mobility

Galashiels Mobility has received the green light to relocate and expand from its current base in Bank Street into the former Potting Shed outlet at 8 High Street.

The site itself is a shop unit on two levels, within a three storey building.

Permission has also been granted for the mobility aids equipment provider to install a disabled access lift at the new base.

A report with the application says: “The site sits within the Galashiels Conservation Area, and is part of a listed building group which includes 2 Channel Street and 2-12 High Street, known as Victoria Buildings. Although Victorian in style, the buildings date from 1927.

“The applicant has purchased the site and is expanding and relocating his ongoing business from a nearby site on Bank Street.

“The re-use of this shop unit for retail purposes will ensure that this large unit is put to good use. Being a mobility shop, it requires a central location so that customers can easily reach it.

“It is in a location where there are significant vacancies and so it will have a positive impact.

“The applicant currently operates from Bank Street from a unit that is now too small, and to move to this vacant larger unit is the most sustainable solution, making good use of a unit presently standing vacant.

“The installation of the lift is essential, as it is a mobility shop and it will have most items displayed on the upper floor.

“The proposal makes positive use of a vacant unit. Whilst it will in turn leave a Bank Street property vacant, it is far more likely that that unit will be let successfully.”

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