INTERIORS
FOUR FLATS FOR A POUNDLAND
Store in Elgin has a big apartment surprise upstairs
turned into a Temperance hotel, then went on to become Woolworths before Poundland acquired the lease in 2009. However, the building had serious structural issues that would ultimately mean it needed to be carefully dismantled before a loving reconstruction of its grand facades. The restoration was complex, with progress interrupted by water leaks, the pandemic, the disconnection from the neighbouring buildings and an alleged arson attempt that threatened the whole project. But while the ownership and history of the building on its own makes it unique in the Poundland estate, the store also has four special surprises upstairs too. Because in addition to carrying an extensive range of homewares and clothing – with around a third of grocery items at £1 or below on the shop floor – Poundland has also created four apartments for purchasers
Many first time buyers are strapped for cash when it comes to kitting out their new home, but Poundland has come to the rescue with lots of very affordable accessories – and for the first time ever the retailer has kitted out one of four apartments above its newly refurbished Elgin store, showcasing that it can all be achieved on a budget Last December saw Poundland open the doors to a new store on the high street in Elgin – the only store it owns outright in the UK – after putting in place an extensive six year refurbishment of the iconic heritage building in the heart of the town’s beautiful centre. The discount chain bought the store from its landlord in 2019, after the previous owner was unable to carry out remedial works to the listed building. Beginning life in 1856 as the Royal Bank of Scotland’s first Elgin branch, it was
to buy. The properties were listed on Rightmove late last year and the show homes are kitted out with Poundland’s finest interiors. This is the first time Poundland has ever sold properties for the public to own. All four buyers have the chance to be a part of Elgin’s historic high street, and one lucky buyer will have their apartment fully styled with all the latest Poundland homeware and décor as it shows off its new ranges. Of course, the apartments cost a little more than £1 – they were put on sale from £85,000 – but one buyer will get an even better bargain, because one apartment has been decked out with scores of products that cost £1 or less from the store below. What’s more, the flats are all highly insulated and served by an air source heat pump, making them energy efficient too. Poundland’s refurbished home in Elgin will be managed by Gerry McAloon, who was also the manager in the same building when it was a Woolworths store. Gerry has a 31-year history of working in the building for both Woolworths and Poundland and was determined to manage the store when it moved back from its temporary home elsewhere in the town after the fire that set back the restoration project.
12 First Time Buyer February/March 2025
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