Nile Istephan, CEO of Eildon Housing, said: “We have acquired the site of the former Borders College on Melrose Road, Galashiels which has been lying vacant for many years now. This site offers a great opportunity for Eildon to provide much needed affordable homes to rent in a popular, central area of the town.

“We are working closely with the Planning Department at Scottish Borders Council on a detailed proposal for this site along with development partner, Springfield. This is a significant regeneration site, and we will be able to provide a range of housing options to meet known local needs, as well helping the Borders meet sustainability and climate change targets. Our investment also generates high quality local training and employment opportunities.

“The build isn’t likely to start until Spring/Summer 2022/23 and forms a key part of Eildon’s development programme to deliver a record-breaking expansion of housing and care services for our communities in the Scottish Borders.

“This project is in addition to the current commitment to invest in excess of £120 million in the Borders economy, bringing much needed jobs, regeneration and 750 affordable new homes. We are currently developing our new strategy that will continue our commitment to our towns and villages over the next five years. We will be publishing our new Strategy in April 2022 and are currently consulting on the detail of these ambitious plans.”