CONSTRUCTION of a new £6.7million building in Galashiels, which will house the Great Tapestry of Scotland, is set to begin in October.
The announcement from SBC follows the demolition of the former Poundstretcher building, on the High Street, signalling the start of a major transformation of this area of the town, including a new national visitor destination which will host the Tapestry, alongside a range of other elements aimed to 'significantly enhance the visitors’ experience to Galashiels'.
Drone footage and photography captured the demolition as the building was pulled down piece by piece over a seven-week period, which was complete ahead of schedule.
Council bosses hope the Tapestry complex, which will also see the former Post Office being brought back into use, will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of Galashiels, providing economic, social and educational benefits for the town and the Borders.
^Photo: Scottish Borders Council
Predictions from independent consultants are that the centre will attract over 50,000 people to Galashiels each year once opened, as well as create 16 full time equivalent (FTE) posts at the facility.
In addition, almost £900,000 of extra spending per year is predicted for the local economy, providing 12,000 extra visits to complementary attractions, supporting a further 17 FTE jobs.
The project has the support of the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund which provided a £1.18m grant in March, a proportion of which is being used to fund a £900,000 streetscape improvements programme within the town.
On Tuesday (June 19), executive councillors will be asked to approve five streetscape projects to be taken forward with this funding, which include improvements to Channel Street, Douglas Bridge, visitor signage and the creation of the Coulter Candy Trail, dedicated to the Galashiels weaver Robert Coltart who wrote the Scots folk song Ally Bally Bee.
^Photo: Scottish Borders Council
Councillor Mark Rowley, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member and Business and Economic Development, said: “This is a hugely exciting time for Galashiels and the Borders, with significant progress now being made on the Great Tapestry of Scotland complex, which will kickstart the delivery of the Galashiels Masterplan.
“A partnership approach is being used to take forward the project, highlighted by the fact that the proposed streetscape improvements have all been identified as priorities by a range of community and business groups.
“The removal of the old Poundstretcher building is a significant milestone, and we will continue to work closely with our partners including community, education, arts and tourism organisations to ensure this exciting project - as the first stage of the Masterplan - helps to re-shape the town and encourage investment in Galashiels and the wider Borders economy.”
The Great Tapestry of Scotland is expected to open in spring 2020, and will be managed by Live Borders, the region’s culture and sports trust, providing a link to their existing heritage, education and recreation facilities throughout the area.
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