To be known ‘Poynder Apartments, the celebrated art deco listed school on Bowmont Street will also feature communal facilities.

The memories and experiences of the guests have been captured as a video which highlights the significance of this building full of character, nestled in the heart of the town.

Guests included Charlie Robertson, KHS Rector from 1999-2011, Principal Teacher of History from 1979-1988, co-author of the book, Kelso High School Memories 1939-2017, and current chair of the KHS Archive Group, former Maths teacher Sinclair Watson (also a former pupil) the award-winning writer and historian Alistair Moffat who attended the school in the 1960s and former teacher Hilda Adams also a member of KHS Archive Group as well as the current sixth year Head Team: Dougal Coates, Dylan Mackenzie, Zara Currie, Emma Stewart and the current Head Teacher Jill Lothian.

The video shows how important the building has been to local people since it opened its doors back in 1939, and how it will remain at the heart of the community in its future incarnation as ‘Poynder Apartments’ providing quality homes and a vibrant community for older people.

Alistair Moffat said, “It is a statement as a piece of architecture, and much of it is being retained. It is wonderful that it is going to be social housing, which is what the Borders needs, and on such a prime site.”

Charlie Robertson added, “I’m sure the residents who come to stay here will enjoy the place every bit as much as the youngsters did when they were here as pupils. Many of them I believe will be ex pupils of the school so it will be full of memories for them.”

Poynder Apartments will be mix of one and two bedroom flats, along with the provision of onsite care and support services to people aged 60 years and above. There will be a range of communal facilities available for use by tenants and the wider community, including a community hub where meals will be prepared and served, a hairdresser’s, and a place for social activities. Not only will it provide much needed homes, but this new development will also create at least 35 new jobs, bringing a boost to this area, which is part of Eildon’s strategy investing £137m in new homes in the Borders up to 2027.

Poynder Apartments will be complete early 2023 with the first tenants expected to move into the development from May 2023.