Future use of current library/contact centre, Town Hall and Grammar School site FAQs
Why has the decision been made to move the library and contact centre to the new Campus and no longer use the town hall?
While we continue to make significant investments such as Jedburgh Grammar Campus, we have also been reviewing our properties across the Borders as part of our Fit for 2024 programme which requires us to make significant savings.
The current estate and running costs are not sustainable and therefore we have no choice but to reduce the number of properties we run.
As a result, with the new campus including a new library and contact centre, the current buildings will no longer be required to deliver services.
In addition, the campus will have a flexible hall space which can be used for multiple activities such as community events, sport, dance or drama classes.
When was this decision made and when was it communicated to the community?
The potential impact of the new campus on the library/contact centre, town hall and the existing Grammar School was discussed as part of engagement over the proposed new campus in early 2017 including a public meeting on 30 May 2017.
The vision for the campus, which was developed through this engagement, included the ambition to create a one-stop shop approach to service delivery and to maximise the use of our and community resources.
A further community drop in event was held on 26 June 2019 which explained that the library and contact centre would be provided from the new campus and how we would not be able to continue to own and maintain these buildings.
At the event, which was attended by just over 180 people, attendees were asked to provide feedback on:
- what options should be considered for the future of use of the library building, town hall and Grammar School site
- what options should not be considered
- who should be involved in discussions about future options
- any other comments they thought relevant
No formal decision has been taken into the future use of the buildings.
An initial feasibility study has been undertaken and is being discussed with community representatives. The hope is that sustainable options can be identified which either the community or the private sector can respond to positively, safeguarding buildings and maintaining or enhancing the townscape.
What consultation is taking place regarding the decision to move these facilities to the Campus?
We have committed to further discussions with community representatives regarding the potential future options for the current library/contact centre, town hall, and Grammar School sites.
Engagement from community representatives is crucial to shaping the future of these buildings, and a further meeting is scheduled to take place in February.
We previously held a Fit for 2024 community drop in session last year, where we presented information on each building and engaged with the community on potential future uses.
More information on the facility is available.
What is the usage of the town hall?
At the time of the community drop in event in June 2019, less than 10% of the town hall’s bookable capacity was being used, meaning that the building is being left unused for more than 90% of the time.
More information on the facility is available.
What are you doing to help Jedburgh town centre?
As well as seeking sustainable options for the library, town hall and grammar school site, we are committed to our town centres across the Borders, including Jedburgh.
Along with partners, we have invested in the Jedburgh Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) which is supporting the repair of traditional buildings within a defined area of the town using appropriate traditional methods of construction. This includes the makeover of the Port House into a resource hub for local businesses and community groups.
We are also supporting the introduction of the community enterprise managers in four priority regeneration towns in the Borders, including Jedburgh. The Scottish Government through the South of Scotland Economic Partnership (SOSEP) has provided the funding for this project.