Published: Thursday, 11th June, 2009 6:00am

Pressing on with huge revamp of old Courier HQ

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EAST Lothian Housing Assocation"s plans to transform the former Courier building in Market Street into new headquarters and affordable flats were set in motion this week as construction work got underway.

ELHA intends to regenerate the Grade B listed building as its new head office and 14 affordable rented flats. On Monday, contractor James Swinton of Hawick – awarded the contract by developer Haddington Regeneration Ltd – started strip-out works in the part of the building that will be turned into offices.

Martin Pollhammer, chief executive of ELHA, said: 'There"s still a bit to go, but this is an exciting day for us as we desperately need to leave our current offices – we would definitely award ourselves overcrowding priority for our current home!

'This new office will give us the space we need to continue to grow our business and, in moving to such a prominent building right in the middle of the county town, will cement our links with both Haddington and with East Lothian as a whole.

'We are proud of our local roots and this is potentially one of the largest and most significant regeneration projects in the area for many years.'

The construction of the flats is scheduled to start once permission for that part of the project is granted, and funding for the development secured.

Councillor Barry Turner, East Lothian Council"s planning convenor, joined ELHA bosses at the building on Monday to mark the beginning of the renovation work.

Andy Rosher, managing director of Haddington Regeneration Limited, said 'It"s great to get started on site at last. 'Haddington Regeneration Ltd is working closely with ELHA and with East Lothian Council to ensure the project not only meets all the planning and listed building requirements but also produces a building that will be standing 150 years from now.

'HRL are committed to this project and the investment it brings to Haddington and are delighted to be providing ELHA with a fantastic new headquarters.'

Subject to planning consent, the new complex could be ready by next summer.

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