The Vacant Shop Academy: Working Together to Shape the Future of Galashiels

BID for Galashiels is delighted to be working with The Vacant Shops Academy (TVSA) on a strategic year-long project aimed at tackling long-term vacancy in the town centre. The initiative brings together partners including South of Scotland Enterprise (SoSE), Scottish Borders Council (SBC), and Police Scotland, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting local economic growth and creating a vibrant, sustainable future for Galashiels.

Over the past few months, the BID team has been laying the groundwork - building relationships with landlords, researching national best practice, and learning from other local authorities and BID towns that have successfully reduced vacant units.

Jay Hogarty, Director, BID for Galashiels:

“Since April, we’ve been working to build connections with landlords and researching how other towns address issues related to vacant premises. There’s some fantastic best practice to draw on, and we’ve spoken to a number of local authorities and BID towns to learn from their approaches. Colleagues at SoSE and SBC are strongly supportive of initiatives that drive economic development in our town centres, and we’re looking forward to working with them as we move this strategy forward.”

Iain Nicholson, Founder of The Vacant Shops Academy:

“We’re delighted to be working with BID for Galashiels on this project and bringing our approach into the heartland of the Scottish Borders. Galashiels has real potential – from its strong base of independent businesses and landmark attractions like the Great Tapestry of Scotland, to its heritage, creativity, and natural beauty. We’re looking forward to running the initial ‘audit, engage’ phase of the project and supporting local partners to explore new uses for vacant spaces that reflect the character and ambition of the town.”

This partnership will focus on identifying opportunities for reoccupation and creative reuse of empty units, exploring how sectors such as arts, crafts, culture, and wellbeing can play a role alongside retail, hospitality and services in revitalising the town centre.

As the project develops, updates will be shared through BID for Galashiels’ channels – highlighting progress, insights, and the positive impact of this collaborative approach to town centre renewal. Stay tuned. Exciting times ahead!