Borderlands Town Investment Plans (BTIPs) have been developed and were approved earlier in the year on 11 March for Hawick, Galashiels and Jedburgh, covering ten proposed capital projects emerging from Local Place Plans which have been developed by community groups.

Work is ongoing to develop the Borderlands Town Investment Plan for Eyemouth, and it is anticipated that this will be completed in 2026.

Councillor Scott Hamilton, executive member for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders, said: “The approval of the Borderlands Town Investment Plans is a really positive step for Galashiels, Hawick, and Jedburgh.

“Each plan reflects strong local ambition and the opportunity to turn community ideas into projects that will support regeneration and economic growth across the borders.”

These projects, once they have approved business cases developed which will take place as part of the next and final stage, would see £1.8m of Borderlands Place Programme funding drawn down in each town between 2026/27 - 2032.

The projects outlined in the approved BTIPs are:

Hawick 

• The Arches Arts & Creative Hub (Phase 1) - The refurbishment of the Old Wilton Primary School into a vibrant, inclusive centre for arts, education, and social connection - £778,500 
• Hawick Mair - The delivery of replacement buildings on the Mair, with a view to supporting a wider events programme - £655,500 
• Hawick Visitor Signage (Phase 1b and 2) - Building on Phase 1a, comprising the design and delivery of an initial suite of signage linked to the Flood Management Scheme, subsequent phases (Phase 1b and 2) will deliver new signage across the active travel network accompanied by digital engagement - £366,000

Galashiels

• Redevelopment of 34-36 Channel Street - The redevelopment of a long-term vacant building in Galashiels centre providing flexible ground floor units and affordable residential units - £750,000
• MacArts - The investment will support Phase 1 of a longer-term project, specifically it will restore the roof, introduce energy saving measures and accessibility improvements - £300,000
• Hike & Bike Bunkhouse - The project will involve the acquisition and refurbishment of new, larger premises for the Hike & Bike Hub to enable an expansion of existing activities and the introduction of ‘bunkhouse’ style visitor accommodation - £444,000
• Galashiels Community Trails/Multi-Use Trails - This project delivers one phase of a wider network of trails and walking paths focusing on Ladhope Recreation Ground - £306,000

Jedburgh

• Community Contact Hub - Repurposing the former VisitScotland iCentre into a vibrant, multi-functional facility serving residents and visitors - £250,000
• Events Quarter/Town Hall Redevelopment - Transformation of the Town Hall and surrounding public realm into a flagship regeneration initiative that will deliver a year-round programme of events, enterprise opportunities and community activities - £1,348,000
• Jedburgh Swimming Pool - Community-led initiative to restore and reopen the Laidlaw Memorial pool, including refurbishment of the pool building, new energy efficient systems, flexible community space and sub-letting potential - £202,000.