Councillors updated on progress of Borders Railway projects

Councillors were updated today (Tuesday) on Midlothian projects to maximise the benefits of the Borders Railway.

12 plans underway

At the full Council meeting on Tuesday, councillors heard more about progress on:

• Gorebridge Connected (involving enhancing Hunter Square, redeveloping Gorebridge Railway Station and improving the Main Street)
• Two masterplans for Stobhill/Lady Victoria at Newtongrange and Newtongrange town centre including plans for housing, retail space, business areas and community space
• Newtongrange Track to Train, a project to regenerate Newtongrange station building, by Apex Scotland, which assists ex offenders and those at risk of offending
• A comprehensive strategy to redevelop Mayfield town centre
• A proposal to establish a Business Improvement District in Dalkeith
• The Midlothian and Borders Destination Development Project (MBTAG) to attract more visitors to the area
• Support for the National Mining Museum of Scotland (NMMS) to develop a longterm strategy aimed at attracting investment
• Work on developing walking and cycling routes along the Borders Railway Corridor
• The potential to set up a network of business incubator hubs along the Borders Railway corridor
• A study of the potential for hotel development
• A review of the leisure development potential of Vogrie House and Country Park
• Promotion, Marketing and Branding of attractions along the Borders Railway line

Capacity issues being addressed

Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Councillor Russell Imrie said: “After some initial operating issues the Borders Railway service is now running well, although capacity at peak times remains a bit of a concern. This is being addressed by the rail operator.

Benefitting communities

“We’re delighted to see that working with our six key partners, including Edinburgh City and the Scottish Borders councils is delivering a range of projects that will make Midlothian, and the Borders Railway corridor, an attractive place in which to live, work and visit.”

The picture shows improvements to Hunter Square in Gorebridge, part of the Gorebridge Connected project.

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