| Alex Smith’s store in Hilltown was established in the 1940s and remained a local landmark for well over 50 years. It started as a clothing and household goods business and later became a furniture store.
Under a contract awarded by the city council, the building to which the store was attached is being demolished by Gowrie Contracts and has been almost completely taken down.
The contract included substantial temporary works to maintain the stability of the store building until it could be demolished as well. Gowrie’s original contract has been extended to include the former store and work began on razing it this week.
Councillor Jimmy Black, who is convener of the housing committee and one of the members for the ward which includes Hilltown, said, “The condition of the buildings meant they had to be demolished, but it has given us the opportunity to tidy up the site once it has been cleared.
“There are no plans at the moment for redeveloping it, but it is likely to be included at some stage in the regeneration of the Hilltown, something we are keen to push on with.”
— See also “Ode to the Highwayman” in our Letters section. |
