Commercial property: East Lothian opportunity

The landmark building of George Court, Haddington

A landmark building in the centre of Haddington which has been vacant for five years has been given a new lease of life after a redevelopment.

The project by Haddington -based property company Wilkie Developments highlights the opportunities outside the major industrial hubs, according to IME Property, the letting agent who is now marketing the development.

The work has transformed the lower floors of the former George Hotel, at the east end of the town’s High Street, into two mixed use commercial units.

The building dates back to the 16th century and is B-listed but over the last 12 months it has been extensively redeveloped externally and internally.

The vaulted former ballroom in the first floor unit.

No 1 George Court is 158sq m premises suitable for a restaurant or café on the ground floor which could accommodate 60 covers.

No 2 George Court measures 159sq m and is suitable for retail use. It is over the ground and first floors and includes the former ballroom, a barrel-vaulted ceiling, contemporary flooring and natural light from the large Georgian window.

IME Property’s managing director Iain Mercer says: “Wilkie Developments deserves credit for taking a leap of faith and reinvigorating what had become an eyesore in the centre of East Lothian’s political and economic heartland.

“It is a spectacular redevelopment and even at this early stage we have been encouraged by the interest shown from occupiers for both commercial units.”