The Penicuik Heritage Regeneration Project has provided grant aid for restoration and improvement work to the roof and external stonework. Renewable energy work will also provide a new combined heat and power plant, solar panels on the rear roofs and WiFi throughout the building. This work is being grant aided by the Scottish Government's Town Centre Fund.
The roof and stonework improvements will be carried out first, with the renewable energy work due to begin early in the new year. As well as improving the external fabric of the building, the work will provide a more sustainable heating system, allowing the local community to continue to use the building for training, education and events.
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The restoration work will be carefully carried out with matching roofing slate and stonework, using traditional materials and techniques to enhance the historic character of the building.
Councillor Russell Imrie, Midlothian Council's Cabinet Member for Communities said: "This work will secure the future of this important building in the centre of Penicuik. The town hall will remain open during the course of the work, enabling council staff to deliver training and education work in accordance with COVID-19 rules and regulations. The introduction of renewable energy will also be of great benefit to the locality and act as an example for others to follow."
The town hall is a distinctive historic building in the centre of Penicuik and is a high priority for the heritage regeneration project. It was originally built for local people by Alexander Cowan, one of the founders of Alexander Cowan & Son, papermakers of Penicuik, in 1893. It has undergone some internal alterations over the years but the external appearance of the building has remained unchanged.
The Penicuik Heritage Regeneration Project is a partnership funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, Midlothian Council, and Penicuik First and supported by Penicuik Community Development Trust, and Penicuik and District Community Council. The project will see a 5-year period of investment in the historic core of the town centre.
