Standing Building Recording

Date 6 May 2013 - 10 May 2013

Event ID 1000232

Category Recording

Type Standing Building Recording

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1000232

Headland Archaeology was commissioned by Melville Housing Association to undertake a programme of desk-based assessment and historic building recording at Dalkeith Corn Exchange. The structure is located near the northern end of the High Street, and is oriented approximately east-west, with a second façade on St Andrew St. It was designed by David Cousins in 1853 and opened the following year. The building replaced an open corn market, and served as market and meeting place until the mid 1940s. At this point, the hall was converted into a ballroom, with a number of structural modifications including a substantial timber partition and lowered ceiling. In 1961 it was taken over by Ferranti as a training annexe, with further structural modifications include a single storey addition to the northern side.

The building has lain vacant since the late 1980s. Several attempts to find a use for the structure have been unsuccessful, although some renovation work has been undertaken. The present application by Melville Housing Association is for full renovation of the building and its conversion into an office and museum space.

A full written and photographic record was produced that clearly illustrates the changes of use in the fabric of the building. Since a large proportion of the interior plasterwork had been removed, many of the structural alterations were visible.

Information from OASIS ID - headland1-152741 (Jurgen van Wessel) 2013