Iconic A-listed building to get a face-lift boost

Historic building in line for a facelift

An iconic A-listed building in Milngavie is to undergo renovation work with extensive roof repairs and a new lick of paint to the outside.

The striking black and white structure on the corner of Douglas Street and Main Street above Boots the chemist – which owns the whole building – will be clad in scaffolding in order for the work to be carried out.

It is expected the work will start sometime around the middle of next month and take a couple of months to complete.

Jim Gibb, owner of The Tea Cosy cafe/restaurant which is housed within the listed building, welcomed the news but stressed it would not affect his business while the work was being carried out.

He said: “I have been here 15 years and this is the first time I know of that any major work has been carried out on the building. I understand a new slate roof will be put on and the whole building will be painted.”

Mr Gibb added that the building was originally known as The City Bakers and, where the Tea Cosy is now was a function suite for weddings and other occasions.

A spokesperson for Boots said: “We understand that our store in Milngavie is within an iconic building that has historical importance to the local community.

“In order to maintain its exterior, we will be undertaking some structural repair work over the next few months. However, we would like to reassure the local community that this work will be fully sympathetic to the building.”

In July 2005 a detailed survey was carried out and identified the building as one of a number of iconic landmarks in the town with its half timbered façades, rosemary tiled roofs and large astragalled oriel windows on the west side of Main Street.