Grant awarded to historic Penicuik building as part of heritage regeneration project

The owners of a historic building at 1-7 Bridge Street in Penicuik have been awarded a grant of £193,787 towards its repair and restoration by the Penicuik Heritage Regeneration Project.

Printing heritage

Known as the Pen-y-coe Press building, the property includes a printing works and community stationery shop on the ground floor, run by Penicuik Community Development Trust, together with a small heritage centre with an exhibition and artefacts explaining the history of paper making in the town. The upper floor houses four separate flats.

Cost of restoration

The total cost of the restoration scheme is £234,252 with all five property owners contributing towards the cost of the work.

Traditional construction

Dating from the late 19th century, the building is of traditional stone brick and render construction with a slate and tile roof. The shop at ground floor level retains the original post office and printing works interior. 

Original features

The restoration work will include repairs to the front façade, including exposing the original stonework, roof repairs and re-slating and shop front improvements.  Window repairs and replacement will be carried out where necessary, with timber sash and case windows to match the originals. 

Historic town centre

The building is regarded as an important part of the street scene in the Penicuik Conservation Area and is also seen as a priority for the heritage regeneration project given its connection to the history of paper making and printing in the town. The historic Pilkington Buildings, which are opposite 1-7 Bridge Street, are also being restored as part of the 5-year project, aimed at enhancing the historic town centre.

Partnership project

The Penicuik Heritage Regeneration Project is a partnership funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, Midlothian Council, and Penicuik First and supported by Penicuik Community Development Trust, and Penicuik and District Community Council.