August 26 2021

The days of a historic Galashiels hotel appear to be numbered with moves to demolish the ageing structure and replace it with a drive-through cafe.

Opfer Logan Architects acting on behalf of Mungo Park are seeking to demolish the unlisted Abbotsford Arms Hotel, which has fallen into a poor state of repair following a downturn in travel and is not considered suitable for conversion.

Neighbouring a new £5.2m transport interchange the project would establish a 214sq/m coffee shop off the A7 with parking for 20 vehicles.

In a statement, the architects observed: "We believe the proposals will enhance the amenity of the area and the smaller scale new high quality building respects the surroundings whilst giving new life to the area after years of neglect.

"The proposed Starbucks coffeehouse would undoubtedly be attractive as a meeting point to both locals and those travelling via road or by public transport and its location complements the adjacent Interchange bus station."

The development will maintain access to the B-listed St Andrews Church with new planting. 

9 Comments

#1 Posted by Robin B's Discount on 26 Aug 2021 at 16:11 PM

The gammons are going to get all frothy mouthed about this;)

#2 Posted by Finlay McCallum on 26 Aug 2021 at 16:32 PM

I'm disliking this new boom in drive throughs

#3 Posted by cjeam on 26 Aug 2021 at 17:29 PM

"We believe the proposals will enhance the amenity of the area and the smaller scale new high quality building respects the surroundings "

Apparently the architects are idiots, because it does not.

#4 Posted by Graeme McCormick on 26 Aug 2021 at 18:36 PM

Is there not a local business which could provide these services? If Starbucks think it’s viable then why not? There’s a lot of wealthy entrepreneurs who live locally.

#5 Posted by E=mc2 on 27 Aug 2021 at 00:50 AM

“I say we take off and nuke the entire site from orbit. It’s the only way to be sure.”

#6 Posted by Gala Fairy on 27 Aug 2021 at 00:53 AM

There is a cafe in the Transport Interchange (bus station). Its struggles because it's not Greggs.

Also, one in new Page/Park Great Tapestry building. It too will struggle because the Tapestry won't get the required 20,000 paying customers each year.

#7 Posted by Ken on 27 Aug 2021 at 10:36 AM

Forgetting the commercial viability issues/ peoples lack of taste in architecture and decent coffee, why does the building have to look so friggin' alien to the context?...

#8 Posted by E=mc2 on 28 Aug 2021 at 01:04 AM

Planners can't tell. They know nothing...

#9 Posted by Donnie on 30 Aug 2021 at 11:06 AM

The fact that they can't be bothered creating a bespoke visualisation for this site says it all. The image must have been lifted from the numerous other developments like this in marginal sites across the UK.

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