A VISION for the transformation of an historic quarter of Jedburgh is on the rise as exciting plans for a former bakery site are revealed.

Jedburgh Community Trust was formed in 2002 to preserve the town’s built and natural environment and heritage and provide high quality facilities for residents that promote employment, education, recreation and social welfare.

The Trust recently renovated the grade A-listed Port House which is let out as flexible business and creative units for which there is a high demand.

Now as owners of the former bakery and garages to the rear of these buildings it is looking to bring these back into use.

The aim is to convert the old bakery building at 11 Exchange Street to form artists studios, with a courtyard landscaping proposal.

Additionally, it is proposed to demolish the existing garages on the site of a former slaughterhouse and stable block at Grahamslaw Close to form two new town-houses.

Planning applications for both proposals have now been submitted to Scottish Borders Council.

A report with the application by Galashiels-based Aitken Turnbull Architects says: “The three-storey former bakery is thought to have been built by the Co-operative Society soon after 1938.

“The building is constructed on the site of the Jedburgh Corn Exchange, built 1870 but sadly lost to fire in 1898.

“A former slaughterhouse and stables block was built directly to the north of the bakery building and a historic ‘Skipprunning Burn’ culvert that runs under the Port House and the rear/west wall of the bakery.

“Both the bakery and Port House buildings have been on the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland since 2011.

“Our clients intended restoration of the bakery is sympathetic and in-keeping with the original historic features of the property and should be commended.

“The re-organisation and upgrading of the existing courtyard and repair of the former Corn Exchange wall will be a new and useful urban space and will improve heritage interpretation and will contribute positively to the character, appearance and setting of the category A listed building and the conservation area.”