Falkirk town centre landmark set to be transformed with flats on upper floors

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The upper floors of one of Falkirk 's most distinctive town centre buildings are set to be transformed into six modern flats, under new plans submitted to the council.

The three-storey sandstone building at 2 High Street and 1 Newmarket Street, was built in 1879 as a bank and used more recently as lawyers' offices and storage space.

The ground floor remains occupied by law firm Marshall and Wilson, but a transformation is in store for the upper storeys if planning permission is granted by Falkirk Council. Read more: Falkirk bid to create new school for children with severe and complex needs Provost Robert Bissett was invited to see the empty rooms that new owner John Fotheringham hopes will become flats by next summer.Inside there are plenty of clues to its previous incarnations - such as the many - now empty - safes that are still to be found.Provost Bissett, who has a keen interest in local history, was delighted to see that one of the largest bears a badge that is associated with the famous Carron Ironwork.

Inside the door of the safe, he spotted the town's motto 'Better Meddle wi' the Deil than the Bairns o' Falkirk'.The Provost and town centre councillor Euan Stainbank, who joined him for the visit, were impressed by the soaring ceilings and huge windows that overlook the busy crossroads at the end of the High Street.He was delighted to see many of the period features remain, particularly the huge windows and ornate cornicing around the largest of the rooms.The project is being undertaken by Helix Architecture Studio, which was set up in February.Co-directors Inderpal Gill and Scott Gibson, along with architectural assistant Julieta Flores and student Aine Munro all worked together for several years as part of TBB