The estimated £21.5 million housing-led project, which focuses on Beech Avenue, Hawthorn Road, Larch Grove and Laurel Grove, will see 115 new homes built over several phases, in addition to the refurbishment of some existing homes. The demolition of some existing housing blocks will be required as part of the scheme.

An initial masterplanning exercise has been carried out by Waverley Housing with the support of partners, including Langlee Residents Association, and tenant and resident engagement has also been taking place.

At a meeting of the council’s executive committee yesterday, councillors agreed to provide a grant of up to £300,000 from the council’s affordable housing budget as a contribution towards Waverley Housing’s costs of acquiring six privately owned flats in Upper Langlee. This budget is topped up annually with around £710,000 from second homes council tax income.

A report to the executive committee revealed that similar steps were taken to support Scottish Borders Housing Association to acquire eight privately owned flats to facilitate the Stonefield regeneration in Hawick.

Councillor Mark Rowley, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for business and economic development, said: “Waverley Housing has exciting plans for this important residential area of Galashiels and I am pleased that the council has been able to provide further support to help unlock this regeneration project which will be funded by various partners.”

David Gordon, chair of Waverley Housing, added: “We continue to work closely with a range of partners and our tenants and other Upper Langlee residents to develop final plans for this multi-million pound regeneration scheme.

“We are delighted that the council has made this commitment today, and that we have its ongoing support for the overall project. The ongoing support and involvement of the Langlee Residents Association is also vital to the project and we will continue to provide regular updates on the progress of our plans.”

All images provided courtesy of Camerons Architects.