Building gifted to Peebles by William Chambers set for upgrade

Plans have been submitted for a £4m upgrade to a historic building in the Borders.

The Chambers Institution in Peebles was gifted to the town by 19th Century publisher William Chambers who formed W&R Chambers with his brother Robert.

If approved, contractors would be on site in the spring to help create a new larger reception area, provide better access throughout the complex and create new frontage onto the High Street.

Supported by funding from the Levelling Up Partnership, the first round of improvements should be completed towards the end of 2027.

Tweeddale councillor Robin Tatler said the improvements would make a huge difference to the category A-listed building.

“It is going to make the building entirely accessible now for everyone,” he said.

“In the past the access was very, very difficult in terms of a winding stair at the back and a tiny lift.

“What you are going to see in the new Chambers Institution when this first phase is completed is a frontage on the High Street and a large reception area and from that a huge lift which will take you up through every single level of the building.”

He said he hoped consultation would begin early next year on plans for phase two which are currently being developed.

William Chambers was born in Peebles in 1800 – the first of six children.

Forced to declare bankruptcy, his father moved the family to Edinburgh so that he could find work.

In 1832, along with younger brother Robert, William published the Edinburgh Journal and by April of that year they were printing 32,000 copies weekly and the firm of W&R Chambers was formed.

It ventured into dictionaries with the Chambers’ English Dictionary in 1872 becoming a leader in the field.

He became Lord Provost of Edinburgh in 1865 with the city’s Chambers Street named in his honour and a statue also put up.

He died in 1883 and was buried in his home town.