Poynder Apartments - Former Kelso High School

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A new building with increased capacity, designed in an Art Deco style by Reid and Forbes Architects, was opened in 1939. This building remains today and is listed as Grade B.

The school moved to new premises in 2017, and the building became vacant. A new use was sought to secure the building’s future.

In 2019 the building was taken on by Eildon Housing Association to provide much-needed extra care housing (supported housing for the elderly) and now provides 34 one- and two-bedroom flats, all with wheelchair access and onsite care and support services. There is a restaurant where residents are provided with home-cooked meals, and garden areas for relaxation. The facility allows for residents to remain in the town and continue to live independently in the later part of their lives.

The project was realised by Aitken Turnbull along with local Contractor M&J Ballantyne .

An overall strategy for the building: and the adjacent ground was developed by the team here at Aitken Turnbull Architects which strove to:

• Maintain and clear sense of place.
• The enhancement of the existing listed building and gives it priority in the redevelopment of the site
• Conscious decision was made to remove additional buildings and only retain the original fabric of the building.
• Provision of excellent quality materials which complement the listed Building.
• Creation of a hierarchy of streets and open spaces, served by car parking with semi open play spaces.
• High quality landscaping to be integrated within design, trees, and planting to enhance key routes/places within the site.
• Protecting the view of the school to maintain the site’s strong identity.