Coldstream Place Planning Workshop

“the first, and last, town on the Border”

Coldstream occupies an important location. With access to the coast, it is surrounded by a beautiful, safe and clean environment, the river, views of the hills. And sunsets. This place has amazing heritage, with the only British legion left in Scottish Borders.

There is security. Walking at night feels safe. There are so many groups. The activities on offer are exceptional, with guides, football, bowling, the walk group, volunteering and activities for the over 60’s. Local services are good with, the GP, butcher and chemists, and there are good amenities, in the caravan park, and the Hirsel. There is a good FaceBook page. People can find help.

"a friendly, supportive, community with generosity."

“Where is the heart of the town?”

The town looks unwelcoming, shabby. And dull. The variety of shops isn’t great. It’s not a proper High Street. There is a lack of places to stay, little toilets, and little publicity or map of what we have. What’s happening with the Tweed Wall? The river walk areas are becoming unkempt. Maintenance is reducing.

Dental care is non existent unless you pay. Access to the Doctor and Dentist are difficult. There is no podiatrist, or optician. People have to travel to Kelso or Berwick.

The library is important. But, it has short opening hours, and not open often enough. We should make more of existing facilities, like the library as a one stop shop, a place with a hotline, a drop in centre. And we should make better use of the community centre for youth, make more of its situation next to the sports fields.

Traffic is a problem, with huge lorries on tiny streets. There is irresponsible parking by residents and visitors, and not enough parking. Public transport doesn’t run often or late enough. There aren’t enough EV charging points, or cycle parking. Traffic from England doesn’t see the 20 mph speed sign. Cars go too fast. Congestion has been raised as an issue before, with no action.

There is a lack of facilities for young people, and no out of school clubs or childcare for working parents. We need more sports and exercise opportunities, a useable 4G pitch, a skatepark, a pool. The Rideout is not inclusive or equalities driven.

We have good neighbours, but people feel isolated. There is too much bureaucracy and all the restrictions put people off from wanting to work with children and young people. Young people aren’t joining some of the clubs and groups. There is no succession. Some groups will die away. Town has gone backwards in the 60 years.

“There is more money available now but not much to show”

"a town of a wide range of ages”

Let’s understand our population statistics better. Build services around population needs, more support for older people, more access for young people. We want to be a town of a wide range of ages, retaining working age populations to be active in the community.

Often, people can help themselves. They just need access to information. So, bring things together in a hub, a drop in centre connecting and signposting services.

“somewhere people would want to stop”

We want to attract more visitors. So, make Coldstream visitor friendly, somewhere people would want to stop. Develop the town to have the same prominence as Kelso, attractive and busy with a regional presence. Build on our USP as the only Border town.

Develop more access to activities. Make more of our museum, and history. Develop tourism information services with proper marketing. Extend the caravan park. Make Market Square fabulous, with arts, crafts and places to eat. Invest in regeneration of buildings, the riverside and Tweed gardens. Make Coldstream a smart historical gem.

“a High Street action zone”

We want a thriving high street, part pedestrianised, with clean streets, shops painted and busy, with good transport links and pavements fixed, with good parking, and useable areas of parks, walks and seating. Develop a High Street action zone which concentrates the sense of effort, and works on building welcome.

The old town is an undeveloped asset. Re-develop it. Attract designers and small crafts and makers, pop up shops, places to buy local and affordable housing.

“build on investment in sustainability”

Build on investment in sustainability and industrial batteries in the power station. Develop industry and jobs. Re-imagine a science park. Build opportunities around AI with development opportunities for graduates. Retain money locally. Build security and choices in housing.

More people and more visitors in the town will attract more money, more employment opportunities and keep people here. It will help support happier youth that have constructive activities to do and makes them want to stay in the town.

“a flourishing town and ensure a brighter future”

So, we need a vision and a new town planning strategy. Investment is essential. Success breeds success. Our ambition is to be a flourishing town and ensure a brighter future for the town, with more pride and a sense of belonging. We need to see good will to local people in partnership and investment.

If you would like to learn more about Coldstream's community developing a Local Place Plan, to feedback or get involved please contact

 chairman.coldstreamcc@gmail.com