Newtown St Boswells auction mart overhaul approval advised

The plan would create a "new town centre" for Newtown St Boswells

Revised plans for a multi-million pound redevelopment of a historic Borders auction mart are being recommended for approval.

The proposals by the H&H group could create a "new town centre" for Newtown St Boswells.

Councillors backed the scheme in 2021 but it has been revised to exclude third-party land in order to proceed.

Scottish Borders Council is being advised to approve the project with a string of conditions.

The auction mart in Newtown St Boswells dates back to 1871

The auction mart in Newtown St Boswells dates back to 1871 and councillors were told two years ago that the proposals would be the "single biggest investment" in the site since that time.

The project would include:

• A major overhaul of the auction mart

• The creation of a "new central spine road" via a new roundabout on the A68

• A new town centre space being created

• Potential for a total of 150 new homes

• A rural retail/business hub together with an educational campus

Councillors agreed planning permission in principle in 2021 but that application included land not owned by the applicants.

That has now been removed and fresh support is being sought.

A report to councillors described it as an "important and pivotal development" that could make a "positive contribution" to the town.

It has recommended for approval with conditions to safeguard the landscape, ecology and cultural heritage of the area.

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