Demolition of old Jedburgh building edges another step closer

Demolition of a dangerous Jedburgh building, shrouded in scaffolding since 2015, has moved another step closer.
Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton in front of the town's scaffolding-clad building in the square.Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton in front of the town's scaffolding-clad building in the square.
Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton in front of the town's scaffolding-clad building in the square.

Scottish Borders Council has submitted a compulsory purchase order for the category-B listed building at the corner of High Street and Exchange Street to Scottish Government ministers.

Enforcement officer Alan Gueldner said: “The period for objections to be lodged ends on January 24. Thereafter, we expect correspondence from the Scottish Government outlining the procedure to be followed to reach a decision.

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“At the same time, the council will continue to negotiate with the owners in an effort to secure a negotiated settlement, including sending offers to those who have agreed in principle to transfer their interests to the council.”

In November, the council granted itself permission to pull the 19th century building down once all six owners hand over the property.

Mr Gueldner says the council’s design team hopes to have resolved all loose ends associated with the tender documents by the end of January, “allowing the council to move to deconstructing the building once the ownership issue is resolved”.

Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton has hailed the move as a “tremendous step forward”.

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“It’s been clear for a long time now that a negotiated settlement, whilst preferable, was unlikely to be successful with the large amounts of owners involved,” he said.

“I am hopeful that the Scottish Government will move quickly on this matter once the period for objections has passed.

“I know myself, townsfolk, traders and visitors will be pleased to see that things are coming together and wheels are in motion.”

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A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson said: “The council submitted the compulsory purchase order for the building to Scottish Ministers for confirmation before the Christmas break.

“The period for objections to be lodged ends on January, 24, 2020.

“Thereafter, we expect correspondence from the Scottish Government outlining the procedure to be followed to reach a decision.

“At the same time, the council will continue to negotiate with the owners in an effort to secure a negotiated settlement.”