Work has begun on the new £5.2 million Galashiels Transport Interchange, according to the Scottish Borders Council.

Council Leader David Parker, Paul McGirk, Chief Executive of Hub South East Scotland, Morrison Construction’s Regional Director Eddie Robertson and Director of Rail at Transport Scotland Aidan Grisewood have visited the site to launch the commencement of the works.

The interchange will connect the Borders Railway with a new bus station and also aims to direct footfall into the centre of the town. The project started in September 2013 with the re-routing of Stirling Street, improvements to the riverside walkway, a new car park and the creation of a new civic space adjacent to the B&M car park.

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It is expected that the building phase will take just over 12 months, allowing time for the Transport Interchange to become operational ahead of the opening of the Borders Railway in autumn 2015.

Council Leader David Parker said: "I am delighted to see the start of the works for the Galashiels Transport Interchange. The Transport Interchange will be a landmark building for Borderers and visitors travelling to and from the Borders Railway next year. Its connection to the new bus station ties into the Council’s long term aim to promote better connections between all means of sustainable transport."

The project is delivered by development partner Hub South East Scotland and its appointed contractor Morrison Construction. The Galashiels TI is financed by the council and the European Regional Development Fund, the latter providing £1.8m of the project funding.

(IT)