Historic property restored in £3 million scheme

Work started in March this year to conserve and restore the front facade on this Grade II listed building as the latest scheme in the Townscape Heritage programme to be completed.

This follows works on No 33 with new building and shop frontage, as well as the RAFA building, completed in 2021.

No. 41 is one of the earliest properties along the road, which originally stood on its own and had a front garden.

The property is split into two – a shop on the ground floor and a residential property above.

Built from red brick with a Welsh slate roof, the building also has a single cast iron balcony dating from around 1900 which has been stripped, restored, and returned as part of the project.

Based on the research by The Scottish Ironwork Foundation, this balcony is by George Wright & Co & Lion Foundry of Kirkintilloch and it is believed to be the only example of its kind to have survived.

As part of the works, the late 20^th century shop front has also been replaced with a one that is to the original design and entrance and redecorated using colours chosen as part of the heritage scheme.

In the residential part of the property, the dormer window has been reinstated (the original was removed in around 50 years ago), along with the replacement of the bay windows and the rainwater channels.

Cllr Tom Furneaux, Cabinet member for heritage, said: “This project is really making a difference to how the properties on Alexandra Road look. I’m grateful for the cooperation and input from the property owners, without whom, we couldn’t do this. I hope that, in time, and with more funding, we’ll be able to complete the full stretch along Alexandra Road – it would look absolutely fantastic!”