To visit another of our new Scotland tackling #highstreet vacancy commissions: Galashiels.
Lots to reflect on including…
- A really strong group of independents, in attractive buildings with careful work done on shop fronts and window displays;
- Major additions, the award-winning, purpose-built Great Tapestry of Scotland centre and new Transport Interchange;
- A long stretch of maintained and so tidy, colourful park and a paved market place to allow folk to sit and rest a while;
- A wall art and on-street installations project focused on the town’s history & heritage;
- Striking views of the surrounding countryside (especially if you can get up to some of its taller buildings) which does so much to bring visitors here;
- A waterway running through creating its own feature;
…and more.
Not least from our perspective that the town’s business improvement district team – BID for Galashiels – are already focused on its small set of large, longer term and so potentially tricky to get back in play vacant units, engaging with landlords, raising awareness among partners and starting to think through potential options.
Really looking forward to running the ‘audit, engage’ part of our approach and supporting this local initiative.
As regular readers will know, getting a ‘place partnership’ on the case and exploring the potential role for arts & crafts, creative, culture, community, history & heritage, leisure, education, health and health & wellbeing as go-to occupiers are two key elements of how we see things, so it’s encouraging to find places already started.
…and if you’re in this part of the world walking, cycling, golfing or travelling a borders stations train, it’s worth a visit…!
