Huge investment in business units at Tower Mill is money well spent according to Scottish Borders Council, and could act as a catalyst for future property redevelopment in the town.
It says the new business incubator centre at the former Almstrongs building will provide different opportunities for rapidlydeveloping companies.
Asked if there was a real demand for more units, an SBC spokesperson responded: “The business incubator in the former Almstrong’s building will provide different opportunities for new and rapidly-developing companies to come together and grow.
“It will also encourage entrepreneurs, generate start-ups and ensure that Hawick can meet the variety of business needs that expanding companies may have.”
Regarding the spend on Tower Mill, does SBC feel this is the best use of tax payers’ money, bearing in mind Business Gateway will already get many thousands of pounds of funding from the government?
“SBC believes an investment of £50,000 in Tower Mill to provide a minimum of 11 business units which could support up to 20 additional jobs is good value for money and will hopefully act as a catalyst for further property redevelopment and inward investment in the town in the future.”
In response to when the feasibility study for the regeneration of two further mill buildings will start and the projected cost, SBC said: “Work has commenced to prepare the scope of these studies. The cost will not be known until the scope is finalised.”
Jobs will be created at both Almstrongs and Galalaw through the Scottish Government’s recentlyannounced £3.6million funding package.
While welcoming the investment, Councillor Watson McAteer questions the way it is being spent. “I believe that targeting the bulk of the cash to rebuild the former Almstrong’s building in Oliver Place to create a number of business incubator units is a poor choice,” he said.
“With new investment in Commercial Road and with a hidden gem that is our Wee Haugh, a fantastic opportunity exists to demolish Almstrongs and open up the High Street to allow new and more direct access to townsfolk and visitors.”
He continued: “Business incubator units are essential for new growth, however, they have been available in the Heart of Hawick for some time and while there will be countless reasons for their limited use the point is there is no need for more at this time.
“Ask those considering Hawick as a base for a new business what they really need and almost universally they will say enhanced broadband speed, connectivity and better transport infrastructure.
“The Scottish Government and Scottish Borders Council must address these issues as a priority before investing further in facilities that will not make an immediate difference.
“They must also place our High Street at the top of a strategic regeneration plan and that means being ambitious and radical acting to reverse decreasing footfall.”
The £2.6m development is anticipated to provide 17 business incubator units and potentially up to 25 additional jobs.
The £1,025,000 two-phase development at Galalaw Industrial Estate could provide up to 10 jobs.
Some minor works are required to ensure the access and office units are business ready, which are estimated at £50,000. This will be funded by Scottish Borders Council.
The proposal would provide a minimum of 11 business units and it is estimated this could support up to 20 additional jobs.
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