Plans have been approved to build a new £6.7 million home for the Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels.

The project involves converting the former Post Office and demolishing the former Poundstretcher building into a new centre for the Tapestry. Work will begin next year and is scheduled for completion in spring 2020.

As well as housing The Great Tapestry of Scotland - a 143-metre-long project which involved over 1,000 volunteers stitching the entire story of Scotland – a number of other facilities will be developed in the visitor centre, which has been designed by architects Page and Park.

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These include facilities for visiting exhibitions, flexible space for education, learning and events and plans to have space for community and retail facilities including a café.

In addition, proposals are in place to introduce interpretation and art installations across the town centre to direct passengers to the Tapestry from the nearby Galashiels train station.

The Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre is part of the Borders Railway Blueprint programme which sets out how Scottish Borders Council and partners will capitalise on the opportunities presented by the new line.

Cllr Mark Rowley said: "The creation of a centre to house the Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels is key to a long term strategy to regenerate the town.

"With planning permission now achieved we hope to make swift progress next year including the removal of the former Poundstretcher building, which has become an eyesore in the town centre. Meanwhile, work continues to bring forward a masterplan which would underpin the much-needed regeneration throughout Galashiels."

(LM)