The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is pleased to announce that it has awarded Hawick Development Trust a Project Viability Grant to explore plans for acquiring the former Liberal Club in Hawick and creating much-needed affordable housing for the area. This was one of 12 awards made at the first grants meeting of the year, where projects across Scotland, England and Wales were offered funding totalling £118,892.
With its projecting balustraded balcony, Dutch-style gables and corner turret, Number 80 is one of the most prominent buildings on Hawick’s High Street. It was originally built as the town’s Liberal Club in 1894 to the designs of James Pearson Allison, a well-known local architect who designed many buildings throughout Hawick and the Scottish Borders. The three-storey building comprises the former Liberal Club, as well as two retail units, each with two flats above. It is listed on the Buildings at Risk Register, and the existing residential elements are currently undergoing external repairs through the Hawick Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme.
Last year, Scottish Borders Council declared a housing emergency. In Hawick, which includes one of the 20% most deprived areas of Scotland, there is a particular need for social housing. To address this, Hawick Development Trust, in partnership with Scottish Borders Housing Association, aims to acquire the former Liberal Club and convert the majority of the property into affordable housing. The Trust will also seek to take ownership of two ground floor retail units, with an offer for one already made. These will be developed into retail space, with the potential for one to become a community hub with office space. These units will help generate ongoing revenue funds for the organisation.
The Historic Environment Scotland-supported AHF grant will fund a viability study, enabling the Trust to explore the viability of converting the building for these proposed future uses.
