Preparation for Stranraer Museum improvements underway

With the recent appointment of WH Kirkwood as contractor for the Museum repair works, preparatory work for a site start in the new year is moving ahead successfully. The Council’s project team has been working alongside the contractor to make sure arrangements are in place that allow the site access necessary while doing everything possible to minimise the impact on the local community.

Scaffolding and site compound arrangements around the Museum are essential to allow the repair work to be carried out and space in the vicinity of the building is clearly limited. As a result, Church Street will be closed to through vehicle traffic from the start of the work on Monday 9th January 2023 until 29th May 2023.

Vehicle access for residents and businesses in Church Street will be maintained enabling drop off and collection, and current private off-street parking arrangements will not be affected. The one-way system will be temporarily revoked allowing access to and exit from Church Street at the mini roundabout at the top of the street. Access along Church Street to and from George Street for people on foot and using mobility scooters will be maintained throughout the course of the works.

There is the possibility of a short temporary closure of Church Street prior to the full site start on 9th January. This will be avoided if at all possible however may be necessary to allow engineers to carry out localised inspection of the Church Street elevation to inform the detailed design of structural repairs.

The Museum building facing George Street has served Stranraer since 1776 and the rear extension since 1855 with previous functions including Town Hall, courthouse and fire station. Butcher and grocer shops have occupied parts of the building in the past with the Museum being established in the heart of the town in 1984. Given its long and varied service, the need for improvements is only to be expected and the investment in this historic building will ensure it can continue to serve the local community well into the future.

The work is being enabled by funding from Historic Environment Scotland as part of Stranraer Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) project along with funding from Dumfries and Galloway Council