A new hub for Selkirk town centre, which would provide information on a number of regeneration activities in the area, has moved a step closer to completion.

The announcement comes as Scottish Borders Council (SBC) confirms it has submitted a planning application for the change of use of the former Cross Keys Inn.

Presently, the council is in the process of purchasing the property in order to enhance the long-term development of a wider regeneration project for Sir Walter Scott's Court House. This would see the building transformed into a visitor centre. The Court House Regeneration Project is at a very early stage, the council has said, but added that the opportunity to purchase the former Cross Keys became available.

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The proposed Regeneration Hub will provide the community with a central point in the town centre to gain further information on initiatives such as:

• The town's Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (Selkirk CARS)

• The Flood Prevention Scheme

• Pop-Up Shops

• Royal Burgh's Business Improvement District Scotland project (Selkirk BIDS).

The new hub, which will be run by the Selkirk Regeneration Company with assistance from Selkirk CARS, will keep the local community informed with the progress of the projects, as well as providing a central location for community talks, exhibitions and presentations related to the developments.

Colin Gilmour, SBC's Selkirk CARS Project Officer, said: "Having a town centre location from which to promote Selkirk CARS and the other regeneration activities is ideal in terms of engaging with the public and encouraging them to understand what is being undertaken and how they can get involved."

Lawrence Robertson, Director of Selkirk Regeneration Company, added: "We can do great things when we work together. This shows how Selkirk people and organisations working with our Council can turn a dreary problem into a bright asset for the town."

(JP/IT)