CONSTRUCTION is under way on a new four-floor retirement apartment complex in a Borders town.

And developers hope the Melrose project will be completed by Christmas in 2022.

The flats will be built on the site of the former church West Grove near the centre of the town.

The complex – called Westgrove – will feature a mix of two and three-bedroom properties, with a new gym and health spa set to be situated behind the apartments.

Michael Crawford, managing director at developers Rural Renaissance Limited, said: “While Rural Renaissance has been building housing in the Borders since 2010, the new Westgrove project will be our first aimed at those looking to retire.

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“As a Borders business, we’re passionate about the local area. Above providing suitable homes for all, our calculations show that the new development will provide an economic boost for the town with roughly £1.5m of investment in the local area.”

According to the developers, a six-figure package was received from Bank of Scotland to support the project.

“Bank of Scotland helped massively with setting this project in motion,” said Mr Crawford.

“The financial support has given us the ability to push ahead with the build and create a host of new jobs for local people.”

Rural Renaissance says it has created 40 jobs and one apprenticeship position to support the project.

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Douglas Spowart, relationship director at Bank of Scotland, said: “With the number of people in Scotland aged over 65 set to rise to around 1.3 million over the next 10 years, the demand for senior living accommodation will likely continue to grow.

“The decision by Rural Renaissance to expand into this sector is therefore a timely one and we’re proud to have supported the firm with its first retirement project in the Scottish Borders.

“The new Melrose development is another example of the incredible innovation being shown by firms across the country.

“As we look to move beyond recovery and towards growth, we’ll continue to stand by Scottish businesses looking to innovate and explore new opportunities.”

Rural Renaissance has seen “substantial growth” in recent years, with a current annual turnover of £7m.

The firm is one of the largest property developers in the Borders and has live sites in Melrose, Kelso and Galashiels.