Plans drawn up to turn old nightclub in Galashiels into flats

The property’s owner, Henry Turner, of Edinburgh, has submitted a planning application for the conversion of the first floor and second floor at 42 Bank Street into two residential properties, one offering three bedrooms and the other with one.

The ground floor of the property, currently occupied by the women’s clothing shop Inis, would be unaffected.

Purpose-built as a working men’s club, the late 19th century property’s first floor used to be a snooker hall and a second-floor room housed public baths available for use by people without bathing facilities in their own homes.

Interior alterations were carried out in the mid-1930s to create a pool hall with domino room.

From the late 1990s to around 2006, it was home to a nightclub, initially called Planet but later known as Colosseum and Peach.

Today, the category-C listed building is unoccupied and in a state of disrepair.

A spokesperson for the applicant’s agent, Edinburgh’s Block 9 Architects, said: “This application pertains to the first and second floor, with this part of the property, currently unoccupied, disused and internally in a state of disrepair.

“Previously, this formed part of the old abandoned nightclub situated to the rear in Overhaugh Street and was accessed only from the nightclub.

“Any original internal features of architectural merit, including the Jacobean-style ceiling, have been destroyed and removed over the interim years.

“It is the proposal to provide contemporary spaces and facilities for modern living within a historic setting.

“Where possible, the original plan form of the building will be largely respected.”

“The alleyway adjacent to the property is an important feature and will be utilised to access the proposed development.

“The first floor will be subdivided down the centre of the property.

“This will create two residential units with principal rooms looking out onto Bank Street.”