Contractors are continuing work on the £3.64 million Wilton Lodge Park Regeneration project in the Scottish Borders.

P1 Contracts are set to begin landscaping around the Gilbert Davidson Fountain next week and completion is scheduled for the end of this year.

In addition, ESH Border Construction and Wickstead are both working to building a new café, bridge and play-park. ESH is also working with Malcolm Construction, who are building the Hawick 3G pitch in Volunteer Park, to allow the installation of the bridge to take place.

Sustrans have provided a £100,000 fund to improve the surface of footways, lighting and signage, along with a further £20,000 from Smarter Choices, Smarter Placed fund to promote cycling.

-- Advertisement --

The award of the contract to restore the Gilbert Davidson Fountain, as well as the refurbishment of the park's entrance gates, will be announced in early 2017. The majority of works are due to be completed by April 2017, a year ahead of the overall project completion date of April 2018.

Cllr Gordon Edgar said: "The regeneration project has already delivered a number of improvements to Wilton Lodge Park, including a new bandstand, walled garden, outdoor classroom, waterfall walk, improvements to Hawick Museum and full summer events programme.

"Despite now heading into winter, there is still plenty of activity in the park as we head towards completion of the regeneration project.

"The improved walled garden has been a major asset to the park and I am pleased to hear the same company will be carrying out the landscaping works at the Gilbert Davidson Fountain.

"While it is unfortunate that a small number of trees have to be removed, it is necessary in order for the park to fully meet its potential as a significant tourist attraction for Hawick and the Borders."

(LM/MH)