A STUDY into Dumfries town centre has listed dozens of sites where new homes could be created.
The Dumfries Urban Capacity Study was put together last year by consultants Three Sixty Architects for the local authority.
After looking at the town, they concluded that a mix of general residential would be suitable with a particular focus on ‘Later Living’ models and student accommodation.
Their report, available now on the council website, says: “The contracting commercial core of the town offers opportunities for the re-use of vacant upper floors of buildings that will protect, maintain and enhance the quality of the urban form whilst increasing the residential population, revitalising the town centre.”
Potential development opportunities culminating in 219 homes are flagged up at 16 locations, including the Scottish Power site in Leafield Road, both of the Loreburn Hall car parks, the old cinema in Shakespeare Street, the coach park in Brooms Road, the former Debenhams building, the old Factory Shop in Irish Street, the ex Treasure Cave store (above) and the Home and Floor store, as well as in the car parks at Charlotte Street, George Street and Gordon Street.
The architects note, however: “This is an aspirational list and not all of these sites may ultimately be deemed appropriate for residential development.”
Furthermore they note potential repurposing opportunities for another 121 new homes, or 130 student beds, at the former Linen Bank and County House, both in Queensberry Square; an old furniture store in Friars Vennel; a former solicitors office in Irish Street; Nith Place; and the Former School of Art in George Street.
The experts say the site could be “opportunities to retain and repurpose the existing buildings to accommodate residential accommodation, primarily at their upper levels.”
Finally, they highlighted some potential upper level conversions, which would give 39 new homes. They are at 2-6 Church Crescent, 5 High Street, 8-10 Church Place, 1-3 Whitesands, and 71-77/170-176/152-158/155-157/141-143 all High Street.
