Images reveal plans for former Borders College campus in Galashiels
Last updated 29th Mar 2023
Plans have been unveiled to build 46 new homes for rent on the former Borders College campus in Galashiels.
Eildon Housing Association has released 3D images of the proposed development ahead of a planning application being submitted this week.
The site, on Melrose Road, has lain vacant since the college moved to a new shared campus with Heriot-Watt University at Netherdale in September 2009.
The application comes amid concerns over a shortage of affordable homes in the Borders.
READ MORE: Court hears man assaulted supermarket worker in row over face mask
If approved, the boarded-up property, next to the Queen's leisure centre, will be demolished to make way for the new development.
Nile Istephan, CEO of Eildon Housing, said: “We were delighted when we acquired this key site in the heart of Galashiels, so we can continue to invest up to £137 million in new housing in the Borders.
"There is a high need for affordable housing and this proposal is the next step in working with the planning department on a range of housing options which meet the needs of the local community.
"Our investment also generates local training and employment opportunities for the area.”
Eildon has teamed up with Springfield Partnerships for the housing development.
Managing Director Tom Leggeat said: “We’re excited at the prospect of working with Eildon Housing to bring quality homes to Galashiels for people that need them.
"We look forward to receiving the Council’s comments in due course.”
READ MORE: Work on Berwick's new hospital reaches 'significant milestone'
In December, we revealed almost 300 households in the Borders were faced with the prospect of being homeless at Christmas.
A Freedom of Information request to Scottish Borders Council found 288 households were assessed as being "unintentionally homeless, or threatened with homelessness" under the terms of the homelessness legislation. That was up on the 226 reported the year before.
And Scottish Borders Council also revealed the longest someone had been registered homeless with them - as of November the 30th, 2022 - was 1,261 days. That's more than three years.
Do you have a story you'd like to share on the radio? Email our reporter: ally.mcgilvray@bauermedia.co.uk