History below is from the buildings at risk site but a little nugget of info I was given by a lad i know from Hawick is that the building was originally used as a fire station. Now I've tried to verify that but had no joy, so might be a case of mistaken building! But I did find out it was built in 1911 and the rest of the info below is verified stuff...
One of the more distinctive buildings related to the Hawick textile industry, the former Turnbull's office block has considerable architectural quality in terms of its detailing, and the contrast between the light render and red brick. The tower is a striking addition to the townscape and is designed in a proto-Modernist style, the earliest example of this style to appear in Hawick. It is believed to have held a water tank for sprinkler systems. Overall the office building dominates the surrounding streetscape, much of which has been redeveloped. As such the building forms important evidence of the dominance of the textile industry in the town, and the grandeur of many of the buildings associated with it.
The explore was nice and easy going, although ,with all the windows having been smashed, the elements get in and there's some questionable floor boards. Having looked at previous reports on this building and seeing the pictures and demise of its internal features, it's a shame to see a place so trashed. But like a lot of places, its vulnerable to being trashed and especially in Hawick! As someone who lives in Galashiels just up the road, it's no surprise to me that the place has been Hawick'd haha! Anyway, hope you all like the pics!
One of the more distinctive buildings related to the Hawick textile industry, the former Turnbull's office block has considerable architectural quality in terms of its detailing, and the contrast between the light render and red brick. The tower is a striking addition to the townscape and is designed in a proto-Modernist style, the earliest example of this style to appear in Hawick. It is believed to have held a water tank for sprinkler systems. Overall the office building dominates the surrounding streetscape, much of which has been redeveloped. As such the building forms important evidence of the dominance of the textile industry in the town, and the grandeur of many of the buildings associated with it.
The explore was nice and easy going, although ,with all the windows having been smashed, the elements get in and there's some questionable floor boards. Having looked at previous reports on this building and seeing the pictures and demise of its internal features, it's a shame to see a place so trashed. But like a lot of places, its vulnerable to being trashed and especially in Hawick! As someone who lives in Galashiels just up the road, it's no surprise to me that the place has been Hawick'd haha! Anyway, hope you all like the pics!
