Historic Environment Scotland (HES) Conservation Area Regeneration Schemes (CARS) aim to protect the distinctive character of historic towns by supporting heritage-focused community and economic growth projects within Conservation Areas across Scotland.
The Stranraer CARS is part-financed by HES and Dumfries and Galloway Council and includes larger building repair projects, a small grant scheme and community engagement activity.
Stranraer Museum is one of the Priority Buildings within this scheme which has been identified for comprehensive external repairs, given its Category A Listed Building status and reflecting its architectural and historic significance. With past roles as tolbooth, court and fire station, amongst others, the building’s current operation as Stranraer’s Museum places it at the heart of the community showcasing Wigtownshire’s fascinating past.
Planned repairs to the Museum include work on the roof, clock tower spire, masonry, windows and doors, resulting in comprehensive improvement of the building. Its Listed status and the conditions of HES grant require specifications that respect the historic fabric of the building and that work is carried out to the highest standard. Structural repairs have been designed to ensure the integrity of the building is protected while having the minimum visual impact. The overall outcome of the project will be to protect the long-term sustainability of the Museum as well as to significantly enhance its appearance ensuring it continues to make a positive contribution to Stranraer town centre into the future.
Construction work on site is expected to start in autumn 2021 and be complete in spring 2022. To enable this significant investment in one of Stranraer’s most important buildings, Church Street will need to be temporarily closed to all vehicles for 12 weeks during the initial phase of work. While the impact of this on the local community is well understood, this measure is essential to allow work to take place. During the following 8 week phase of work, it will be possible to open Church Street for cars but not for larger vehicles. The construction phase is expected to take 20 weeks in total and pedestrian access will be maintained throughout.
The outcome of the project will be a structurally sound Museum facility that can continue to operate successfully, serving the local community and assisting in the regeneration of Stranraer Town Centre.
Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economy and Resources Committee, Rob Davidson said:” As one of the top visitor attractions in Stranraer, the Museum has a vital role to play in generating footfall to encourage increased spending throughout the town centre. As an indoor visitor facility, the Museum complements the marine leisure tourism related activity currently being developed on the waterfront, along with ongoing investments in the Marina, to bring economic prosperity back to the area.”
Vice Chair, Archie Dryburgh said: “This is good news for the community of Stranraer, with further investment into attractions. There will be some unavoidable disruption, but these longer-term benefits need to be recognised during the course of the construction stage and the understanding of the local community in this respect is greatly appreciated.”
Image of completed works attached.
