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Biking business revives town centre eyesore building

Molly ArmstrongBBC Scotland News
News imageSOSE A group of four stand above a bike which says "hike & bike hub"SOSE
Hike & Bike Hub, founded by Angela and George Crow in 2022, has built a reputation for combining cycling and walking activities

A cycling social enterprise is bringing one of the biggest eyesore buildings in the Scottish Borders back into use.

The community led Hike & Bike Hub purchased the site at Douglas Bridge in Galashiels with the help of South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) at the start of the year.

The ceiling in the building had collapsed and it had been a regular target for vandalism.

Co-founder Angela Crow said she was happy to play her part in helping to regenerate the town centre.

News imageSOSE A bike on display inside of room of people having a discussionSOSE
Business Minister Tom Arthur, Angela Crow of Hike & Bike Hub and SOSE's Russel Griggs discussed the project

The move to a larger base will allow the organisation to expand its bike hire, maintenance and training services, while also offering more guided cycle rides and walking experiences.

During his visit, Business Minister Tom Arthur praised the organisation's impact on the community.

"With support from SOSE, Hike & Bike's new base in Galashiels offers renewed opportunities not just to support the Borders' thriving biking scene and associated tourism, but to be a focal point and trusted partner for people and businesses across the town and wider region," he said.

The project received support from SOSE, including assistance with its business plan and a £140,000 grant.

News imageSOSE Two people, a woman in an orange top, and a man in a blue suit, lean against railings near a high streetSOSE
The project has helped to bring an empty building back into use

The purchase has brought a prominent empty building back into use and contributed to wider regeneration work in the town.

Russel Griggs, who chairs SOSE, said: "The Hike & Bike Hub is a great example of the kind of ambitious, community-led enterprise that is making a real difference across the south of Scotland.

"The organisation is bringing so much to Galashiels, supporting active lifestyles, helping neurodiverse young people, aiding community regeneration and contributing to the local visitor economy."

News imageSOSE A bike patterned with checkers and flowers in a basket sits in front of a high streetSOSE
The move to new premises will allow the hub to expand

Future plans include the creation of four bunkhouse-style rooms, including one fully accessible ground-floor room.

Crow said: "This is a hugely exciting time for us, with our plans to redevelop the building, and offer new visitor accommodation in Galashiels, contributing to our longer-term viability."

The social enterprise's work has also earned recognition, with Hike & Bike Hub shortlisted for a South of Scotland Thistle Award in the Best Community Tourism and Events Experience category.