Borders Railway Prospectus launched by Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Cities and Infrastructure
The Borders Railway Prospectus, which highlights the opportunities along the railway corridor for investors and businesses, has been officially launched in Edinburgh today.
Keith Brown, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities, unveiled the www.bordersrailwayprospectus.com website and a promotional film to Scottish businesses, politicians, developers, agents, and legal, banking and advisory representatives.
Mr Brown said: “I am delighted to launch the Borders Railway Prospectus today, which highlights the broad range of development opportunities available along the rail corridor.
The Scottish Borders and Midlothian has a wealth of talent and opportunities available to potential investors that the railway has breathed new life into since its reopening in September.
"I am therefore calling on the investment community to get behind this prospectus and help the area reap the benefits of being reconnected to Scotland’s rail network once again.”
More than 100 development opportunities are available for inward investors along the railway corridor, and following the opening of the railway in September these are more accessible than ever before.
Alongside the new Borders Railway, additional infrastructure such as the continued rollout of high speed fibre broadband and financial incentives available through the new assisted area status makes this part of Scotland a 21st century business location.
The Borders Railway Prospectus markets site-specific development opportunities and the website provides a wealth of information for businesses and investors and includes an interactive map detailing available sites, video and contact details to explore opportunities further.
Danny Cusick, Senior Director of Food & Drink, Tourism and Textiles at Scottish Enterprise, and Chair of the Borders Railway Blueprint Leaders Group, said: “The Borders Railway Prospectus will help to maximise the economic benefits of the new rail connection between Edinburgh and Tweedbank.
"Businesses and investors using the prospectus site can now view every opportunity available to them to capitalise on the transformational impact of the new line in creating new places to live, work, visit, learn, play and grow across the entire Borders Railway corridor.”
Development and inward investment opportunities along the route include the creation of a new Central Borders Business Park in Tweedbank which will provide nearly two hectares of new serviced development land and up to 1000sqm of office space for sale or let.
In Midlothian, Shawfair is a mixed use site of some 500 acres, just 13 minutes from Edinburgh Waverley by train, and is being developed to provide up to 4,000 new homes, 30 acres of commercial development, a supermarket, new schools, hotel and leisure facilities.
An additional 57,000 jobs are forecast for Edinburgh City Region by 2030 and the railway makes it easier to accommodate this growth and maximise the two-way flow between Edinburgh and the regions.
Councillor Stuart Bell, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Economic Development, said: “The remarkable Borders Railway user figures from the opening months show the incredible potential that the railway has to help transform the Scottish Borders’ economy, from increasing tourism to assisting in the growth of key areas such as the food and drink and creative sectors.
“The Borders Railway Prospectus will help to kick-start interest in the development opportunities available and attract inward investment, ultimately helping to realise the economic benefits of the railway.”
Councillor Jim Bryant, Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Tourism, said: “This prospectus, which will be available both online and as a printed publication, will be invaluable in helping investors and businesses take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Borders Railway.”
Councillor Frank Ross, the City of Edinburgh Council’s Economy Convener, said: “The Borders Railway is the longest line to be built in Britain for over 100 years. Commuters and visitors are already taking advantage of the strengthened transport connections it has created to and from the Capital, but this Prospectus will help to ensure further economic, employment and housing opportunities are maximised.
“In Edinburgh, the Borders Railway is opening up access to the BioQuarter, our leading European destination for medical research, innovation and work. I am pleased this £900m shared vision between the City of Edinburgh Council, NHS, Scottish Enterprise and the University of Edinburgh is highlighted within the Borders Railway Prospectus.”
Phil Verster, Managing Director of the ScotRail Alliance, said: “Our railways are vital arteries for the economic health of our country and the completion of the Borders Railway has provided a once in a generation opportunity to breathe new vigor into the economies of Midlothian and the Scottish Borders.
“The ScotRail Alliance is delighted to play its part in providing a catalyst for growth and we will provide full support to the Borders Railway Prospectus in its efforts to maximize the potential of this new railway.”