Planning permission secured to transform historic Dumfries town centre property

Permission has been granted to transform an historic Dumfries town centre property into modern new homes.

Dumfries and Galloway Council has given the go-ahead to Midsteeple Quarter for plans that would revitalise 51 Bank Street, one of its community-owned buildings.

It is expected to become the second phase of major redevelopment work by the community benefit society following the completion of The Standard at 135-139 High Street. Finishing touches to construction are taking place there.

Midsteeple Quarter is now looking at how work to create the four new homes at 51 Bank Street - which sits on the corner of High Street and has lain empty for a number of years - can progress.

Interim Executive Director Kathryn Hill said: “Securing planning permission is another important step in our mission to breathe new life into the town centre by having more people living there.

“With this in place we can explore funding options and possible timelines with more confidence than we otherwise could.

“Our immediate priority is on the completion and launch of The Standard, but we know that people are keen for us to look at what comes next - and, in terms of a full redevelopment, 51 Bank Street is currently next on our list.”

51 Bank Street sits above the MSQ-owned 109 High Street

The plans approved are that two of the homes - a two-bedroom and a four-bedroom - would be split over two stories. The others - a one-bedroom and a three-bedroom - would each be on one floor.

Paintwork will also be removed from the front of the building, returning its original red sandstone brickwork to public view.

Energy efficient sustainable property features - including air source pumps and solar panels - will also be incorporated in the transformation.

Designed by leading Dumfries-born Georgian architect Walter Newall, the Grade B-listed 51 Bank Street was built in 1827 and is thought to have once housed its designer’s office. With the support of townsfolk and others, Midsteeple Quarter took the building into community ownership in 2021.