Jobs boost from CGI
The first new office development within the Central Borders Business Park at Tweedbank is now nearing completion and is expected to be handed over by the building contractors to Scottish Borders Council in late September.
The council’s IT service provider CGI will take up occupation as the first tenant of the building later in the year following a fit-out process, as part of a regional commitment to secure and provide local employment opportunities, and is set to take on more than 50 new people.
Councillor Simon Mountford, executive member for enhancing the built environment and natural heritage, said: “It is hugely encouraging to see this development taking shape as key milestones are met. An absolutely crucial aspect of the business park is that it should support and create local employment opportunities, so it is extremely positive news that CGI will soon occupy this key location.”
CGI currently employs more than 70 people in the Borders with a further 56 vacant positions advertised. The company aims to achieve a headcount of around 130 jobs by the end of this year with the majority of these jobs based at the new Tweedbank building.
The council is also in the process of assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the commercial property market and this will inform future developments associated with phases two and three of the Tweedbank project.
In addition to the progress of the business park, business planning is going ahead for the development of a residential care village at the site.