A YOUTH organisation which has been working with youngsters in Tranent for more than 15 years is getting ready to make a temporary move.

Recharge, which is based on the town’s Church Street, will move to neighbouring High Street ahead of an ambitious bid to breathe new life into a town centre building.

The former Co-op buildings at the junction of High Street, Church Street and Winton Place could eventually become home to a bistro/bar, community hall and Recharge, as well as 20 new flats.

In the meantime, Recharge will move to the former Premier store.

Alan Bell, manager of Recharge, described it as “a key moment” for the group as they looked to secure a permanent base.

The youth organisation has been working with youngsters aged 11-18 in the Fa’side area since 2005.

Alan Bell

Alan Bell

Mr Bell said: “This is a really exciting time for Recharge as it allows us to plan and develop the services that we offer to young people.

“The temporary accommodation is in an ideal location and also allows for us to continue to deliver our services without them being affected.

“Everyone at Recharge would like to say a massive thanks to George and Susan Thomson, who stepped in a few years ago to secure the short-term future of Recharge when the building was being sold and have now also secured the long-term future with a purpose built facility.”

Mr Thomson bought the former Co-op building, which was originally developed by East Lothian Co-Operative Society of Tranent, to be used as shops and warehouses, more than five years ago.

Already, a section of the building has been developed, with a new post office and coffee shop.

Now, plans are with East Lothian Council to transform the rest of the site.

The ground floor would include four one-bedroom flats, as well as the bistro/bar and community hall. Upstairs, on the first floor, would be Recharge’s new home, as well as another four one-bedroom flats and four two-bedroom properties.

The second floor would also have eight flats: three one-bedroom and five two-bedroom.

Hillcrest Housing Association has been identified as taking on the social housing units.

A design and access statement included in the plans highlighted that many of the spaces in the building were “desperately neglected and in need of major repair”.

The state of repair is so poor at the northern end of the site that a section of the building would be demolished but would be replaced “like-for-like in terms of scale”.

Previous plans showed there would be two shops and a soft play area on the site.

However, “due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, and the uncertainty that creates”, the decision has been made to look again at the proposals.

The design and access statement notes: “The events hall and Recharge (youth organisation) have… been retained as they create the community driven aspect of the development.

“As before, the social uses will create vibrancy within the town and encourage people into the area throughout the day and night.”