GALASHIELS could have a new hotel, care home and additional houses by the autumn of 2025 if planning consent is granted.

The company formed to take forward the development project is inviting the local community and other stakeholders to view the emerging proposals, before a formal planning application is submitted to Scottish Borders Council (SBC).

The site concerned is the former Burgh Yard at Braw Lads Brae comprising of just over one hectare of previously developed land which is located within walking distance from the Transport Interchange and the new Borders Railway line, which connects Galashiels to Edinburgh.

It has remained vacant since its previous use as a petrol service station, workshops and yard.

Futurity Ventures Limited is proposing a mixed-use gateway building (three storey), a 53-bed hotel (four storey), a 60-bed care home (four storey) 37 apartments/flats (three-five storey) and six affordable apartments/flats (three storey).

End users are currently being identified and market testing has commenced with a view to attracting local and national operators who may wish to take a stake in the site.

The company has been working closely with SBC, who own the site, on the development of initial proposals.

A website states: "Futurity Ventures have undertaken market testing and feasibility assessment in relation to key uses proposed on the site. They believe that market conditions are now conducive to re-development and there is confidence that demand exists to attract developers on a joint venture basis with the council."

Feedback and comments from the public are being welcomed at this initial stage and will be used to inform the final layout, design and planning application.

Should planning consent be granted, delivery and implementation timescales will be influenced by market conditions, but it is expected that work would start around November 2023 and be completed by September 2025.

Marketing of the site will be concluded once that planning consent has been granted.

The proposal document can be viewed here  

The company has a planning team on-hand to answer any questions about this development.