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The Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal has reached the halfway mark of its 15-year programme, with the Borders Innovation Park at Tweedbank standing as a primary example of its regional impact.
Phase two of the £29 million project is currently progressing at the Borders Railway terminus, where new infrastructure is being created to attract inward investment and support the growth of competitive, high-value businesses.
The three-phase development is funded through a partnership between the City Region Deal, Scottish Borders Council, and South of Scotland Enterprise. By providing modern business space, the park aims to secure higher-paid job opportunities for the local community, addressing regional inequalities and encouraging professionals to relocate to the Scottish Borders.
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Executive Member for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders, said: "The creation of the Borders Innovation Park is one very visible sign of how the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal is delivering for the Scottish Borders. Thanks to the Deal funding, our own investment and support from partners, we are creating much-needed business space which is helping deliver additional and new job opportunities."
Construction at the site originally began in July 2020. The first building, completed in 2022, is already fully occupied, highlighting the strong demand for premium commercial units in the area. The phase two building, which is scheduled for completion this summer, has been designed to accommodate up to four separate businesses.
Beyond the innovation park, the City Region Deal continues to support the Borders through the Regional Housing Programme, energy efficiency initiatives, and the Integrated Regional Employability and Skills Programme—which recently piloted a Telecoms Academy to assist local jobseekers.
Since its launch in 2018, the wider £1.6 billion Deal has contributed an estimated £3.6 billion to regional economic growth. The Borders Innovation Park remains a central component of the Deal's Research, Development, and Innovation Programme, which is backed by a combined £350 million commitment from the UK and Scottish Governments.
