Tuesday July 14th 2026
The rmpty building on Polton Street, Bonnyrigg, used to be a Spar store.
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
A former supermarket building which has lain empty for years could be brought back into use under plans to split it into four new businesses.
The proposals for the building in Bonnyrigg town centre would see two cafe/restaurants and a takeaway on the ground floor with a retail store above it.
The application to Midlothian Council has been lodged by Glasgow-based LA Corporate Services Ltd who argue that the only way to attract prospective clients to the large building is to break it into separate units.
Their agents say: “Following closure of the supermarket, the building has remained vacant for several years and currently contributes little to the vitality of the town centre.
“Its large uninterrupted floorplate has proven unattractive to prospective occupiers and the proposed subdivision creates units of a scale more suited to independent retailers and local businesses.”
The former Spar store already has planning permission for the takeaway unit which is included in the new application.
The applicants say the division into four units will also include a number of significant physical improvements to the building designed to improve its functionality, accessibility and appearance.
A new dedicated entrance to the first-floor commercial accommodation will be formed from Polton Street, where the building sits and there are plans to turn the building’s existing goods lift into an accessible passenger lift connecting the rear car park with the upper floor.
There are also proposals to improve the front of the building with glazed windows.
In their design statement the applicants say it will contribute to town centre improvements in Bonnyrigg adding:
“The existing blank façade presents an inactive and austere appearance within the town centre streetscape.
“The introduction of glazing will soften the building’s appearance, improve natural surveillance of the street and create a more attractive frontage while significantly enhancing the quality of the internal accommodation.
“Collectively these works represent a comprehensive refurbishment of the building that extends well beyond a simple change of use, improving accessibility, appearance, functionality and the long-term viability of the property.”
The plans have been lodged on Midlothian Council’s planning portal for viewing and comments.
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