A CAFÉ with loos is part of a Peebles group’s proposal for land where a partially completed church stands.

Jennie Misak, of Cleland Site Initiative, spoke at Peebles Community Council about various ideas for the Cleland Avenue area.

The 0.82-acre plot at the edge of Victoria Park, behind Greener Peebles and the Victoria Park Centre, is currently on the market with a guide price of £250,000.

Ms Misak, a Scottish Government economist living in Cardrona, said she originally became interested when taking her children to the adjacent play park.

She said: “As a mum at the play park I wondered why there were no toilets, it seemed a shame and we should do something about it.”

Speaking about plans developed by Cleland Site Initiative, Ms Misak said that the group’s recent survey had 150 respondents who put forward many ideas.

Ms Misak said: “As it is next to Victoria Park there could be facilities for park users.

“We are in the process of setting up as a charity to make sure it is community led.

“The coating on the [church] frame was intended to last six months but it has been there for six years and it might need to be re-done, although it might be cheaper to remove it and start again.”

Peebles Baptist Church started building the new community facility at Cleland Avenue in 2019.

But a number of factors including the coronavirus pandemic and the church falling victim to fraud saw the project stall.

The church is looking to sell the land after axing the “ambitious” scheme altogether.

At the meeting PCC treasurer Graham Mackie said: “I commend you for the work done already, but you have not mentioned finance.”

Ms Misak said that the group had already held talks with the Scottish Land Fund about applying for feasibility cash and capital funding, and was looking at what other grants could be available.

PCC chairman Peter Maudsley said a design developed at a cost which was affordable and sustainable in the future was needed.

Mr Maudsley added: “At the moment the building is 10 per cent finished but cannot be taken to the point where it is 75 per cent.

“How will you build and fund it as the building cannot exist on grants and will need to be self-funded?”

PCC members also raised concerns that a café might impact on other volunteer efforts in the town such as at the Eastgate.

Tweeddale East councillor Robin Tatler sounded a positive note and said: “I’d just like to thank Jennie for coming along.

“I look every day at that building and this is a great solution from the ground up.”

FOR REFERENCE ONLY

the site, in Cleland Avenue, where the partially completed Baptist church stands.

Jennie Misak of the Cleland Site Initiative, a group which is in the process of becoming a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation, spoke, at Peebles Community Council, of various proposals for the site at the edge of Victoria Park, behind Greener Peebles and the Victoria Park Centre.

Last November this newspaper reported that Peebles Baptist Church, which constructed a metal framework, before work stalled, hopes to sell the site following its failure to construct a permanent base.

The site of 0.82 acres is on sale, with a guide price of £250,000, through agents Galbraith Group’s Stirling office, being handled by Harry Stott.

Galbraith’s states that the property has planning permission for a church but that “there may be scope for the building to be demolished and the site cleared with a view to residential development on site in light of the surrounding uses.”

PCC treasurer Graham Mackie said: “I commend you for the work done already but you have not mentioned finance.”

Ms Misak said that the Site Initiative has already had talks with the Scottish Land Fund about applying for feasibility cash and capital funding and is looking at what other grants might be available.

PCC chairman Peter Maudsley said what is needed is a design developed at a cost which is affordable and sustainable in the future.

Mr Maudsley said: “At the moment the building is 10 per cent finished but cannot be taken to the point where it is 75 per cent.

“How will you build and fund it as the building cannot exist on grants and will need to be self-funded.”

PCC members also raised concerns that a café might impact on other volunteer efforts in the town such as at the Eastgate.

Tweeddale East Councillor Robin Tatler sounded a positive note and said: “I’d just like to thank Jennie for coming along.

“I look everyday at that building and this is a great solution from the ground up.”