A Vacant Channel Street Shop Filled: Here's How We Helped

The Vacant Shops Academy was created to reduce the barriers that can stop businesses taking on commercial premises in Galashiels. From finding suitable properties and arranging viewings to understanding leases and navigating negotiations, the project is designed to make the process easier for both prospective tenants and landlords. 

The wider aim is to bring more vacant properties back into use, creating a stronger town centre that benefits new and existing businesses, residents and visitors alike. Just a few months into the project, we're already seeing tangible results.

A Channel Street Unit Filled

One of the first businesses to come through the Vacant Shops Academy is Rock Your Garden, run by Lee McIlduff.

After years of building a loyal customer base through markets and events across the Borders, Lee was ready to find a permanent home for the business in Galashiels town centre. What he needed was support to navigate the commercial property process.

How the Vacant Shops Academy Helped:

✓ Understanding the business

The process started with a conversation about Lee's business, his ambitions for growth and what he needed from a premises. Understanding the person behind the business is a key part of the Academy, helping ensure any property identified is a good fit both now and in the future.

✓ Exploring the options

Working across the whole town centre, rather than for a particular landlord or agent, meant we could present a range of suitable properties. We identified three options that matched Lee's requirements, arranged viewings and talked through the practical considerations of each space.

✓ Finding the right property

One of the properties we viewed was 47 Channel Street, a unit Lee had not initially considered. Seeing the space in person and discussing how it could work for the business helped him decide it was the right fit.

✓ Navigating the lease process

Once Lee had chosen a property, we introduced him to the commercial agent and supported him through the next stage of the process. Commercial leases can be daunting for first-time occupiers, so we helped explain the terms, highlighted areas worth querying and acted as a sounding board throughout discussions with the landlord and agent.

✓ From enquiry to keys in hand

After completing the required checks and paperwork, Lee signed the lease, paid the deposit and collected the keys to 47 Channel Street. He is now preparing to open Rock Your Garden's first permanent premises in Galashiels town centre.

Why This Matters

This is exactly what the Vacant Shops Academy was designed to achieve: helping businesses find the right premises, supporting landlords to secure suitable tenants and bringing more occupied properties into the town centre.

"Since moving to Galashiels I've had the ambition of getting a shop, but being a bit out of my depth I needed help and direction on the property side of things. Having someone in my corner who could show me the options, walk me through potential business costs and give me impartial advice on what to look out for in the lease made all the difference. I couldn't have done this without the support."

Lee McIlduff, Rock Your Garden

Could We Help Your Business?

Whether you're ready to take on your first premises, looking to expand or simply want to explore what's available in Galashiels town centre, the Vacant Shops Academy can help. From first enquiry to keys in hand, we'll guide you through the process.

Are You a Landlord With a Vacant Property?

The Vacant Shops Academy also works with landlords and commercial agents to help connect vacant properties with prospective tenants. 

Whether you're looking for a town centre premises for your business or have a vacant property you'd like to let, we'd love to hear from you. Contact Claire at claire@bidforgalashiels.com.