THE first phase of the Borders Gateway project has started, developers have confirmed.

A Costa drive-thru and petrol station will be built on the Tweedbank site during the initial period of works.

The development – at the junction of the A6019 and Tweedbank Drive – was approved by Scottish Borders Council (SBC) in 2019.

Scottish firm Advance Construction has been appointed to complete the first phase of the enabling works that will see the site levelled.

Elliot Hunter, site foreman for Advanced Construction, said: “It’s great to get onsite at Tweedbank. Local residents will see a lot of activity in the coming weeks but there should be minimal impact to local traffic.

“The first phase of the works should take seven months to complete.”

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SBC convener David Parker has been vocal in his support of the project.

The Leaderdale and Melrose councillor said: “It’s exciting to see work starting and I look forward to seeing the progress on the site in the coming months.

“This is an important development for Tweedbank and it will see a large investment in the area and employment opportunities created for local people.”

Developers New Land Assets have submitted plans to the council to add a Lidl to the project as part of the second phase after Premier Inn pulled out.

The firm’s managing director, Duncan Hamilton, said: “We have recently submitted plans to SBC for a new Lidl and five industrial units as the second phase of the development.

“The plans have received huge support from local residents and we are hopeful that we will get a decision from SBC in the next few weeks.

“Residents can continue to register their support for the application by using the SBC planning portal to comment.”