Channel Street: Your Ideas, Our Next Steps

Our Vacant Shop Academy (VSA) work continues to gather momentum, with progress on bringing vacant units to life, exploring opportunities for meanwhile use and strengthening connections with landlords and potential new tenants.

A huge part of getting the project to this point has been the support and expertise of Jay Hogarty. With increasing business commitments across Scotland, Jay has stepped down from the BID Board, and we’d like to thank him for the time, knowledge and energy he has brought to the VSA project. Jay has helped create a fantastic foundation for us to continue building on.

A key part of building on that work is listening to the businesses already here – particularly on Channel Street, an area where we know our levy-payers are keen to see positive change and investment.

Channel Street Consultation

Over the summer, we brought Channel Street traders together for a working group session to hear directly from them about the street – what’s working, what could be better and where they feel our efforts could make the biggest difference.

There was plenty of positivity about Channel Street and its potential. Its position as one of the first streets people see when arriving by train or bus, the Great Tapestry of Scotland and the mix of independent businesses already there were all highlighted as strengths to build on.

What did traders tell us?

A few clear themes came through – and we’re pleased that some of the ideas and conversations are already translating into action.

Making more of vacant units

Ideas included improving the appearance of empty properties, exploring meanwhile uses, pop-ups, seasonal displays and other ways to bring vacant spaces to life. This continues to be an important part of our VSA work.

Better connections between businesses

Traders told us they wanted more opportunities to connect, share knowledge and support one another. Since the meeting, we’ve set up a dedicated Channel Street Facebook group, giving businesses an easy way to stay connected, share information and speak directly to one another.

Join the Channel Street Facebook by emailing claire@bidforgalashiels.com.

More reasons to visit

Events and activities were a big part of the conversation, with traders keen to create more reasons for people to spend time on Channel Street. Our Halloween event will be centred around the upper pedestrian area of Channel Street, bringing more activity directly onto the street.

Improving the street experience

Better signage and ways to help people arriving in Galashiels discover Channel Street and its businesses were among the ideas raised. These discussions are helping us think about the street as a whole – not just its vacant units, but how people experience and move through it.

Telling the positive stories

Traders were also keen to see more positive stories from Channel Street being shared – and that’s something we’re already doing. From celebrating established businesses and their milestones, such as Bulldog Bakes marking four years on Channel Street, to welcoming new arrivals with our Rock Your Garden opening reel, we want to keep shining a light on the businesses investing in and contributing to the street.

These themes all feed into the bigger picture. Tackling vacant units is about more than filling empty shops – it’s about supporting the businesses already here, strengthening connections between traders, bringing more activity to the street and creating an environment where people want to visit, spend time and invest.

What comes next?

The ideas and experiences shared by Channel Street traders are helping to inform our ongoing VSA and wider town centre work. We want the people running businesses here every day to have a real voice in shaping where we focus our efforts.

We’d love to bring Channel Street businesses together again, so keep your eyes peeled for details of the next working group session and another opportunity to get involved.