Tuesday May 5th 2026
Chambers Institution, Peebles
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A £4m upgrade to an historic building at the heart of cultural and civic life in Peebles has been rubber-stamped after a “compromise” was reached.
The category A-listed Chambers Institution in the town’s High Street is to undergo a major overhaul.
The works will improve access with new entrance and reception space and refurbishment of facilities throughout building.
To accommodate the 18-month refurbishment, Citizens Advice has relocated to Newby Court, Go Tweed Valley has moved to School Brae, and the town’s museum collections and staff are heading to the former Eddleston Primary School.
Library services will operate from a mobile van for the duration of the works.
A Scottish Borders Council report approving the application highlights concerns raised over some of the proposed changes, with historical organisations identifying alterations to the second floor art gallery – for accommodating a new lift – as having the most adverse impact.
But it was concluded that “on balance” the creation of access for all was justified.
A report, from SBC planning officer Ranald Dods, states: “The impact on the second floor art gallery is the most sensitive and finely balanced aspect of the application.
“This space is one of the building’s most important interiors. The introduction of a lift enclosure inevitably reduces that sense of openness and alters the purity of the original composition. This constitutes genuine heritage harm and is not treated lightly.
“Without the lift, many users would be excluded from accessing this gallery and the upper floors. The proposals introduce a limited and carefully controlled compromise in order to allow inclusive public access to the very spaces that define the building’s significance.
“When balanced against this substantial public benefit and noting that alternatives have been demonstrated to cause equal or greater harm, the intervention is considered justified. ”
The building was gifted to Peebles by 19th century publishing giant William Chambers.
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