£3.4m funding package to revitalise Gorebridge

Major funding packages totalling £3.4 million have been secured to revitalise the centre of Gorebridge and turn a disused building at Newtongrange railway station into a community space and bistro.The Borders Railway Blueprint Programme, set up to maximise the economic opportunities of the line supported by £10m of Scottish Government money, agreed match funding of £1,038,000 for ‘Gorebridge Connected’ and a further £191,000 for the Newtongrange, Track2Train initiative.The Blueprint commitments bring the total amount to be invested in both projects from various sources to £3.437 million.Prepared by the council in partnership with Gorebridge Community Development Trust, Gorebridge Connected will see:The former Gorebridge Railway Station House redeveloped into a cafe, gallery and office space, creating 4-5 full time jobs with a year and 10-15 employment opportunities in the two upstairs offices;Hunter Square enhanced;The development of a heritage and signage project to connect Hunter Square and Gorebridge train station with other parts of Gorebridge and beyond.The council is also working with Track2Train, a charity established by, and closely associated with, Apex Scotland to redevelop the Newtongrange station building, currently owned by the ScotRail Alliance.The hub will be a great community space and, through Apex Scotland, which works with people in the criminal justice system, it will also offer excellent training opportunities for ex-offenders and those at risk of offending.