A PLANNING application for the Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre has been submitted.

The proposed location is the former Post Office and Poundstretcher buildings in Galashiels.

And if approved, the council estimates that the £6.7million centre would help create 16 full-time posts, attract more than 50,000 extra visitors to the town every year and provide additional annual spending of almost £900,000 to the local economy.

The project proposes converting the Grade B listed former Post Office building, which will complement a new building, designed by architects Page and Park.

The new attraction would include a permanent home for the Tapestry – a 143 metre long community arts project which involved over 1,000 volunteers stitching the entire story of Scotland - as well as temporary space for exhibitions, and flexible space for education, learning and events.

There would also be space for community and retail facilities including a cafe.

Plans have also been unveiled to introduce art installations across the town centre, in a bid to encourage visitors from the Borders Railway.

Councillor Mark Rowley, SBC’s executive member for business and economic development, said: “The submission of the planning application for the Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre is the next step towards creating one of the most significant town centre economic development projects to take place in the Scottish Borders in recent years.

“If approved, the visitor centre will be more than a home for the Great Tapestry, but also provide educational, retail and community facilities to benefit a wide variety of groups.

“The visitor centre would also be the first stage of a long-term strategy to stimulate investment in the local economy, and it is pleasing that local groups are supportive of this approach.

“The Council and partners are committed to continuing to engage with these groups to ensure they remain at the heart of the regeneration of Galashiels.”

If approved, it is expected the visitor centre would be completed by spring 2020.