A SERIES of ideas to ensure Galashiels town centre becomes more attractive, active and accessible are to be taken forward.
A study commissioned last year by Energise Galashiels Trust with support from South of Scotland Enterprise and Scottish Borders Council to explore the best way to enhance Douglas Bridge and Channel Street to create a Tapestry Way - from the town's Transport Interchange to the new Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor attraction, and around the town centre has reported.
The study, which involved extensive consultation with local community representatives and members of the public, provided a series of findings on the current position of Galashiels, and recommendations to help continue the regeneration of the town centre.
The study highlighted the need to re-develop some of the larger empty units with the report suggesting some imaginative and creative new uses. Early engagement and discussion with some of these property owners has been positive.
Building on the initial success of the Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor attraction, the report also concluded the culture and heritage of Galashiels and its people should be promoted to enhance a sense of place, and that the town should be developed into a key visitor gateway to the Scottish Borders.
As part of the £375,000 investment, a series of creative and imaginative ‘quick win’ projects will also be taken forward, including further murals, overhead street lighting, child friendly statues and additional cycle racks and storage.
Mike Gray, Chair of Energise Galashiels Trust "We have already witnessed the completion of several regeneration projects in Galashiels town centre including a new mural on Douglas Bridge, a series of facade improvements on vacant properties on Channel Street, the development of Digital Gala with new town trails and also support for events such as Maroon’d in Gala and the recently launched Heartland Market.
“We now look forward to working with partners to develop more exciting improvements for Galashiels through the introduction of the Tapestry Way.”
Councillor Scott Hamilton, SBC’s Executive Member for Community and Business Development said “We are delighted to be able to support this community-led regeneration activity in Galashiels, which is being primarily developed through engagement with the people of the town and with our key strategic partners.
“In all our Borders towns and communities we must ensure that we make the very most of the opportunities available to ensure these places thrive, support local people, businesses and also attract visitors and inward investment.”
Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur who recently visited the town said “I welcome progress on the Tapestry Way Action Plan, which can help continue the regeneration of the town centre.
“The Scottish Government recently launched a joint response to the Town Centre Action Plan Review in Galashiels.
“Galashiels and the Tapestry are an example of what can be achieved when partners work together to build on local assets, tell the story of a place and harness the pride that people have in their town centres.”
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