AN AMBITIOUS bid to see further new life breathed into a prominent town centre building has been given the go-ahead.
The former Co-op building at the junction of Tranent’s High Street, Church Street and Winton Place will become home to a bistro/bar, community hall and 20 flats.
Also moving in will be youth organisation Recharge, which has been working with youngsters in the town for more than 15 years.
Ahead of the work getting under way, the group will make a temporary move to the former Premier Store on the opposite side of High Street.
Youth organisation Recharge has received good news after plans to transform a building in Tranent town centre were given the go ahead. Picture: Google Maps
Alan Bell, manager of Recharge, said that there were exciting times ahead, with the group getting ready to host outdoor events as the weather improves.
He said: “It is fantastic news.
“It has really given us something to build on and we can start getting ready for the new base.”
No objections were made to the plans, which follow on the heels of George Thomson transforming another section of the building.
He bought the former Co-op building more than five years ago and a section is already home to the town’s Post Office and a coffee shop.
Plans for the remainder of the building show four one-bedroom flats, as well as the bistro/bar and community hall, on the ground floor.
Recharge would find a home on the first floor, with another four one-bedroom flats and four two-bedroom properties on that level too.
Finally, there would be eight flats – three one-bedroom and five two-bedroom – on the second floor, with Hillcrest Housing Association taking on the social housing units.
READ MORE: Plans with East Lothian Council to transform site
Previous proposals showed that there would be two shops and a soft play area on the site.
However, those representing Mr Thomson stressed that the coronavirus pandemic “and the uncertainty that creates” had meant a change of plan.
Councillor Colin McGinn, who represents the town on East Lothian Council, is a board member with Recharge.
He was happy to see new life being breathed into the landmark building.
He said: “George and Susan Thomson have been so supportive of Recharge from the start and, given we are going to get a brand spanking new area in the new building, I’m pleased about the whole building but Recharge is close to my heart.
“It will be there an awful long time and serve a lot of young people in Tranent and the surrounding villages for a long time.”
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