Building Briefs – July 6th

• NBS and BDA join forces to ensure industry best practice

As part of a mutual commitment to align standards and improve quality, NBS and BDA have joined forces to improve the connections between manufacturers and built environment professionals. This is important for the success of brickwork, which is a material that is dependent on site construction.

The relationship clearly highlights the importance of best practice, linking architects, specifiers and engineers with BDA’s technical standards, guaranteeing clear, definitive instruction and guidance for brick specification, design and construction.

• Cultural hub and hostel planned for abandoned Crieff hotel

An abandoned former hotel in Crieff could be transformed into a cultural hub and hostel to help boost tourism and the arts in the Perthshire town.

The Drummond Arms has sat as a derelict eyesore for over a decade but the redevelopment of the building is seen as key to the regeneration of Crieff after a community group took charge of the hotel last year.

Drummond Arms Regeneration Limited (DARL) believe there is growing support to redevelop the building into a cultural hub, including workshop and studio spaces, an exhibition and gallery space and retail units.

The group also want to open affordable hostel-style accommodation to provide cheap stays for families, cultural tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.

DARL claim that hostel operators have advised that there is a demand for low cost accommodation in the area and the regeneration company is seeking operators for the project.

The latest proposal for the High Street hotel follows a business plan formulated last year to turn the building into 13 luxury flats.

• Major roadworks to begin in Newcastleton area

Major repair works on the Dawston Bridge near Newcastleton are to get underway later this month.

This will see the B6357 close at the bridge from 21 July for around 10 weeks.

The structure was badly damaged by flooding that affected the area back in February.

These repairs are part of a significant investment on the B6357.

Once the bridge works are completed three further closures of the road will be required. 

Resurfacing work will also be carried out on North Hermitage Street where temporary traffic lights will be put in place.