New affordable housing could replace offices in Dalkeith town centre

Proposals to replace a number of office and other buildings owned by Midlothian Council in Dalkeith with new housing, retail and community space are to be considered as part of an initiative to regenerate the town centre.As a result of the pandemic, the council has seen a transformation in how it works, with many of its staff now working remotely. This has opened up the opportunity to reassess the number of properties the council needs and to look instead at ways of regenerating Dalkeith town centre.At a meeting of the full council held last week, it was agreed that councillors and the local community should be involved in work to bring forward a deliverable regeneration plan for the area. This could potentially mean repurposing some office buildings for other uses, as well as providing new affordable housing, retail and business premises, and the existing library and arts centre would be included for replacement with a more up-to-date building.More detailed assessment work will now be carried out, and funding options and timescales also considered, prior to a further report being presented to the council later this year.