Public Consultation Launched Ahead Of Fit For 2024 Property Event

Scottish Borders Council have launched a public consultation on Earlston Community Campus as part of Fit for 2024 property event.

Community groups and members of the public in Earlston are being invited to discuss plans for public properties in the village.

The council is hosting the community event at Earlston Primary School on Thursday 19 September from 4pm to 7pm.

It will give you the chance to find out more about the investment proposals for the new Earlston Community Campus, which will see the primary school site redeveloped and a host of local facilities provided at the same location.

Plans for Earlston community

The event will also be a starting point for discussions around a number of other buildings, services and sites in the town, including:

• the library

• local education and nursery provision


• a new playpark

The Fit for 2024 Earlston property event follows a similar drop-in session in Jedburgh in June which saw over 100 members of the public attend.

Councillor Sandy Aitchison, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Locality Services, said: "We know through Earlston's community-led plan published last year that there is a real desire in the village for a dedicated community facility and a redeveloped primary school.

"As a result, the Council has developed the plans for a Community Campus which we will believe will enhance opportunities for learning and social interaction across Earlston and beyond.

"At same time as discussing the new Campus plans, we want the views of the public regarding other properties in the village.

"We hope as many residents and groups as possible can make it on 19 September."

Councillor Gordon Edgar, Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure, added: "Fit for 2024 has a number of key themes which includes making best use of our properties.

"The Council has on average, spent £14m each year in the running costs of property which includes refurbishing and repairing the current estate.

"However, the sheer size of that estate means that investment is spread too thinly and makes it impossible to sustain safe and fit-for-purpose properties.

"We want the Council to be bolder and braver when it comes to making decisions about estates and engage with communities and partners on how we can together meet changing customer needs and community demands.

"The Fit for 2024 property events are a start of these discussions."