Community Consultation for Galashiels Masterplan

An Invitation to the Cultural and Creative Sector

Wednesday 24th May 2017

Volunteer Hall, Galashiels

1.00pm – 2.00pm  Walkabout and Discussion (starting at the Volunteer Hall)

6.00pm – 8.00pm  Open Forum

As part of the Borders Railway Blueprint programme, masterplans for Galashiels and Tweedbank are being created.  Setting out a medium to long term strategy for both communities through the allocation of spaces for commercial, retail, residential and community facilities, as well as roads and utilities. This will allow the Local Development Plan to be updated and encourage investors to understand the opportunities available in both communities.

 

A team of architects and urban designers would like to meet members of the cultural and creative sector for a brief ‘walk-about’ in the town centre starting at the Volunteer Hall from 1.00pm to 2.00pm on 24^th May.  This will be a chance to discuss and identify local needs and opportunities as well as what within the existing townscape should be protected. There will then be a similar tour of the town centre with retail and commercial business operators.

 

Between 6.00pm and 8.00pm, there will be an open forum in the Volunteer Hall to consider the Masterplan drawings, and information boards to collate the comments and ideas gathered during the town centre tours. There will also be some information available to identify the scope of the study.  Please come along to contribute whether or not you manage to join the tour.  Some light refreshments will be available.

 

The Borders Railway Blueprint programme aims to maximise the economic benefits presented by the railway.  It has already delivered increased travel options for local people and seen more visitors coming to the area. The railway will be a catalyst for significant development opportunities.  The masterplans for Galashiels and Tweedbank will aim to bring economic and population growth through new and affordable housing, commercial and tourism development, a diversifying business base and new demand for learning and skills.

 

This consultation event is a step towards achieving that vision and members of the community are encouraged to come along to find out more and give their views.

 

To RSVP

Contact Toby Kliskey by email on Toby.kliskey@turntown.co.uk or telephone 07734 282 407.  Please note – you can attend both the walk-about and the Open Forum, or just one or the other.

 

The Borders Railway Blueprint programme is made up of Scottish Borders Council, Midlothian Council, City of Edinburgh Council, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Government, VisitScotland, ScotRail and Transport Scotland.