The Scottish Borders Council has launched a public consultation on proposals to create a Neighbourhood Centre at the heart of the Tweedbank Lowood development.

The aim is to create a Neighbourhood Centre as a focal point for the local community as well as for visitors and tourists. The provision of a centre was set out in the Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) published last year.

The proposed site is located around the historic heart of the Lowood Estate, which includes Lowood House and its surrounding grounds, buildings, cottages, walled gardens and plant nursery.

The space will appropriately reflect the needs of the local community in the services and opportunities provided, whilst also capitalising on increased tourism in the area.

Members of the local community are being invited to have their say on the proposed uses within the yet-to-be-developed space and to share ideas on the types of services that could be on offer and how they could benefit the local area.

To be developed as a community hub, the Neighbourhood Centre is intended to encourage interaction and provision of the basic services needed by local residents, whilst also offering space for a variety of commercial, recreational and leisure uses.

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By incorporating recreational and cultural uses, it is intended that the development will capitalise on increased tourism to the area resulting from its proximity to the Tweedbank rail station and nearby walking and cycling routes.

Have your say

Residents will be asked for their views on the types of facilities they would like to see at the Centre. Possible options include a local shop, play space, community centre, café, restaurant, nursery, church and flexible workspaces. 

An in-person event will also take place on Thursday 27 October between 10am and 2pm at Tweedbank Community Centre to allow members of the public to discuss their ideas and share their views on the proposed Neighbourhood Centre.

The online consultation will be available from Thursday 20 October until Sunday 13 November 2022 and can be accessed online

Councillor Simon Mountford, Executive Member for Estate Management and Planning

“The creation of a Neighbourhood Centre has always been at the heart of the council’s vision for the Tweedbank extension. It is most important that the Centre reflects the needs of local residents in order to enhance their lifestyle and wellbeing.

“It will act as the focal point of the wider Tweedbank area and have the potential to incorporate a wide range of commercial, leisure and social uses.

“This initial consultation is crucial to helping us to understand the needs of the local community and how we, as a Council, can meet those requirements and improve the local area. It will also help to inform the design process, so I would encourage as many people as possible from Tweedbank and the surrounding area to engage in the process and to share their views, thereby contributing towards the final design of this vital community facility.”