A DENTAL practice is poised to fill the gap left in Galashiels High Street by a former newspaper office.

A planning application has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council for the change of use of the ex-Border Telegraph and Peeblesshire News base at 113 High Street into a dental surgery.

The application is from Peter Di Ciacca, of Jacca Leisure, of Main Street, Bothwell, and the agent for the applicant is Edinburgh-based 56three Architects.

In addition to the conversion of the front portion of the building facing the High Street the rear warehouses would be sub-divided into smaller commercial units and a former garage outbuilding on the site converted into flexible office space.

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In a report with the application, David Davies, an associate with 56three Architects, said: “Essentially it is only the front part of the building that we had intended to change to a dental practice. The business and commercial uses at the rear warehouses will remain.

"The subdividing of the building is purely to make it more attractive for potential tenants and offer better flexibility with smaller spaces. Currently there is no interest in any business taking a lease on this large space.”