Ongoing demolition (alongside new build) of most of Hawick High School

[vivdunstan]

This is so sad to see. My dad was depute rector at Hawick High School from 1971-1996, and for most of his time working there his office was in the Henderson Building that's now been demolished. I knew that building and his office from when I was very tiny. Long before I went to the school as a pupil. It was a beautiful building, really nice architecture. I wish they could have kept it.

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Here's a glimpse of what the building looked like before this last week.


Image © Crown Copyright: HES

I was just talking to my Mum earlier this evening, and mentioned that the Henderson Building must be nearly gone if not gone already 🙁

Comments

[greenwoodside]

Oh no! I don't know the background behind the demolition, but judging by the photo it's the kind of activity that should be reported on by Nooks & Corners in Private Eye.

[vivdunstan]

Thanks. Yup, a new school has been needed for ages. My dad oversaw much of the previous attempts to revamp the school in the early 1990s. And he doubted how they'd manage to build a new school on site. That is indeed the plan they've gone with. They are currently knocking down all but one of the old buildings, and rebuilding around them. While school pupils are still on site, learning ...

[sir_guinglain]

That is a school building to be cherished, not demolished. I'm sorry it's gone.

[vivdunstan]

Thanks. Yup, a lot of townspeople are not happy about this. Not only was it an important building for the school, but it also acted as one of the main buildings you'd first see on entering the town from the south.

[a_cubed]

You're right. That is a very pretty building. What they put up will almost certainly be modern, mostly functional, and soulless. I realise it has a cost, but it shouldn't be that expensive to make something that looks good, learning from the past but using modern materials.

[vivdunstan]

Yup, those are the plans. They are currently retaining the other oldest building in the school - the central building - intact. But its future depends on whether they can incorporate it into the new building plans.

[watervole]

It was rather lovely, wasn't it.

But was it still warm, dry, and used?

[vivdunstan]

Yup, to all the above.

[watervole]

What a shame.

What replaced it?

[vivdunstan]

They are building a new school in the grounds of the old one, with a phased demolition and build process. While the kids are on site learning. Some of the old school 1960s/1970s buildings weren't the best. But the two 1920s buildings beside the main road were in grand condition, and that includes the one I've been lamenting. They were also architecturally significant and important for the townscape. The other 1920s building is currently hanging on, in case the builders can incorporate it somehow. But it's very likely it will ultimately go too. 1920s buildings going because they're in the way. The demolition is happening now, with building to start after. It's a two-phase demolition process. And yes, the kids are on site throughout this. My dad always thought that would never work.

I absolutely agree a new school is needed. But I'm very sad to see one and possibly both 1920s buildings going in the process. I wish they could have incorporated them in the new build. I'm doubtful the other 1920s building will escape the chop.

You can see architect impressions of the new school here.

[vivdunstan]

The architects and council did consider keeping the Henderson Building (the one I was posting about, that was demolished just a few days ago) as part of the new school. But utimately they decided to demolish it and do a totally new build. I've read the detailed plans and condition reports. It's striking how good the condition of the 1920s buildings were compared with the 1950s/60s/70s ones.

[watervole]

Bit like council houses. Built to last.

[vivdunstan]

I wish we could say that around here! Dundee and Angus have the highest number of RAAC concrete affected houses in Scotland, a mix of still council houses and former council houses. And it's put the inhabitants in an extremely difficult position, especially those who own their homes. Ongoing saga still to be resolved ...

[watervole]

OUch. Let us edit that statement to 'council houses build during a certain era'

My daughter lives in an ex-council house, and it's a good, well made house.