A fresh vision for Dalkeith town centre
Frequently asked questions
What are the timescales for when things will change in Dalkeith town centre?
Work is already underway to restore the exterior of Midlothian House, the council headquarters, and turn the ground floor into a welcome hub, including the Dalkeith Library and Arts Centre. This work is due to finish in 2027. Once completed, the library and arts centre will be demolished.
Your feedback from the 2022 consultation on Dalkeith town centre created a final masterplan that was approved by Council in 2023. This masterplan will now shape planning decisions about the town centre. The council’s master planners, Reiach & Hall Architects, have developed the plans, which could deliver up to 74 flats and around 500sqm of retail space in the town centre. A business case is now being developed.
- Read the town centre regeneration framework, now approved as planning guidance (also known as a masterplan)
What will happen to the existing buildings in Dalkeith town centre?
We recognise that there are lots of residents and businesses that have been affected by the uncertainty around what will happen to buildings such as Jarnac Court, Eskdaill Court and Buccleuch House. Part of the masterplan process was trying to better understand which buildings we can refurbish or redevelop, and how this could and should be phased. The approved masterplan sets out the plan for individual buildings, and in what phase the work will take place.
What will happen to my business if it is in one of the affected buildings?
Businesses are a big part of Dalkeith town centre, so we want to work with you to find a solution that works for everyone. With the masterplan approved, we know which buildings and businesses will be affected in which phase. We want to make sure we can provide space in a phased way for businesses to go into when work is underway, and we will work on a one-to-one basis with business owners to make this happen.
What will happen to my home if it is in one of the buildings affected?
If buildings are to be refurbished we will work with our Housing Team to come up with a strategy to do this in a way that minimises disruption for you. If you are a homeowner, we will work with you as a Local Authority to find a solution that works for you. To help with this, we are also developing a Common Repairs Policy for mixed tenure buildings. If the building is to be demolished and redeveloped, we will work with tenants and homeowners to help you find a new home or arrangement that works for you. In the meantime, the council’s Building Maintenance Team will support you with building-specific issues.
There was a consultation in 2016. Why was another one needed?
While there was a public consultation that shaped a masterplan in 2016, that masterplan was never approved by the council due to the costs associated with it. Since then, a lot has changed: we have a big focus now on providing more and better housing for communities, making our buildings and town centre greener so we can achieve our net zero ambitions, and we know that in the wake of COVID-19, people want different things from their local town centre. We re-ignited the masterplanning process as we are committed to progressing regeneration proposals in Dalkeith in partnership with Midlothian communities, the voluntary and private sectors.
Other questions?
If you have any comments or further questions, email: communications@midlothian.gov.uk