A Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) is a jointly funded grant programme that provides assistance for regenerating towns and villages and enhancing the appearance of conservation areas through the repair of historic buildings and spaces.

The Gorebridge Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme has been developed and funded by Midlothian Council and Historic Scotland with support from the Gorebridge Community Development Trust.

The formal launch of the Gorebridge CARS took place on the 10^th October 2013 with an exhibition, presentations and publication of a folder with guidance notes and application forms.

The Gorebridge CARS is a five year regeneration scheme, now in its second year.

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Gorebridge is an important historic settlement which has a fascinating history with many historic buildings.  The centre of Gorebridge has been designated as a Conservation Area, the historic and architectural character of which is important to conserve and enhance.  A Conservation Area Character Appraisal has been proposed by Midlothian Council and is focused on the Main Street and Hunterfield Road.

Gorebridge has a unique history.  It was founded by the Dewar family who lived at Vogrie House.  The settlement developed as a shopping centre for the surrounding farms but particularly to serve the Stobs Mills gunpowder works.  Latterly the village was sustained by local coal mining becoming greatly increased in size following the opening of the railway station in 1847 and the sinking of the Emily and Gore pits in 1854 and 1857 respectively.