PLANS for a £2.5 million expansion of Milestone Garden and Leisure in Newtown St Boswells have been unveiled.

Bosses at the popular edge-of-village centre want to erect nine new retail units as well as a new coffee lounge, fitness gym and larger garden and gift departments.

They also want to increase the car park capacity.

In a separate application, Milestone has also submitted plans for 40 houses to be built on a neighbouring site - including seven affordable homes.

Three detailed planning applications along with drawings and landscaping plans, which also include some serviced business units on the site as well as a separate residential property, were submitted to Scottish Borders Council last week that will allow Milestone to take the next steps in its growth plans.

As well as new roads infrastructure the full application details parking spaces for 88 vehicles. The designed housing layout is set around a central amenity space.

Ross Allan, managing director of Mileston Garden and Leisure, said: “From a financial viewpoint, the bulk of the funding required to complete the expansion, estimated at £2.5 million, will need to be provided from deals associated with the housing development site.

“Whilst the company’s bankers have welcomed these development plans and have indicated their willingness to support the venture, we shall still be required to make a substantial contribution to the total cost from our own resources.” It is expected that the business expansion will create more than 40 new jobs at the Newtown St Boswells centre.

Since Milestone opened in September 2006 it has recorded over three million visitors, generated in excess of £4 million for the local economy, and sold more than 2.5 million trees, shrubs and bedding plants.

Mr Allan added: “Milestone Garden and Leisure is proud to be based in the Scottish Borders and is very much part of the Newtown St Boswells community. The planned development will bring increased footfall and business opportunities to this part of the Scottish Borders. During the past eight years we have helped many local young people to get on the career ladder, provided employment experience and career opportunities for local people and have worked with community groups and charities to enhance Scottish Borders living.

“The next phase will be really exciting not only for the Milestone team but also the local community and the Scottish Borders as a whole.

“Linked with the business expansion are additional job opportunities for the local economy.

“Milestone currently employs some 40 staff and this number is anticipated to at least double following completion of the new development.” The full planning applications for the business units and the housing will be considered by Scottish Borders Council over the winter.

Mike Davidson, Architect and Director of Camerons Architects based in Galashiels, said: “Having been involved from the original creation of Milestone eight years ago and seeing the great success of the business, it is exciting for Camerons Architects to be involved with the next phase of the development.’