A NEW ‘pocket park’ is set to be developed in Hawick as work on the town’s multi-million flood protection scheme draws to a close.

Completion of the flood scheme is expected before the end of this year and now a planning application has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council to redevelop land adjacent to to the scheme’s newly built active travel (cycle) path.

The land, south of Laidlaw Terrace, along the path that link to the Wee Haugh Park and into Hawick Town Centre, was previously within the boundary of the B&M Bargains store, as part of the loading and delivery area at the rear of the premises.

It is proposed that a section of this land – dubbed ‘pocket park’ in a report with the planning submission – will be developed into a new landscaped public amenity space including a seating area with new paving and planting, as well as an active area with outdoor gym equipment

The landscaped area will be approximately 16 metres by 7 metres including accessible seating with backrests to provide a resting place off the main active travel path.

Features will include a low-level timber planter approximately 350mm high with low height planting and free-draining soil to create a buffer between the active travel path and the seating area.

Additionally, there would be an evergreen hedge with small multi-stem trees around the perimeter of the quiet zone, providing a windbreak and barrier between the parking area to the east of the quiet zone.

Another feature would be decorative sandstone paving to match the paving used nearby in the Wee Haugh and complement the sandstone cladding used on the adjacent floodwall, to maintain continuity of materials within the Conservation Area.

Functional fitness equipment with instructions on use are to be installed at appropriate locations.

A resting bench will be installed in the active zone, located to provide views of the river through the glass panel in the floodwall, and to watch users of the multi gym equipment.

A report with the application, from engineering company Jacobs, on behalf of Scottish Borders Council, says: “The proposal seeks to enhance placemaking, creating a new public space that improves accessibility and encourages sustainable travel in Hawick.

“Introducing a new attractive and inclusive destination and shared gathering space along the route encourages active travel. Residents living near parks and open spaces are also generally found to be more active socially and have improved health and well-being.”