People power is key to March Street Mill plan

The aim is to create jobs to replace some of those lost with the closure of the historic mill, and to boost enterprise and the local economy.

The plan is to purchase the former admin building and weaving sheds to convert them into a serviced work space; a venue to discuss ideas and share experience; a managed co-working space and a learning zone.

But before progressing the plans, the trust is keen to gauge public opinion.

Trust co-ordinator, Crick Carleton said: “Our Peebles Enterprise project has a particular focus upon job creation, entrepreneurship and training.

“We recognise that this is an ambitious project and we want to know if local residents believe this is a good idea for the town and whether there are individuals or enterprises that would make use of such facilities.

“We are a very enterprising community – but we believe we could do more.

“We could do more to support our current and future entrepreneurs, create and locate jobs here, bring more people – young and old – into the workforce and use our joint knowledge and skills to nurture creative talent.”

An online survey has been set up to ask residents what services they believe Peebles most needs. 

More than 100 businesses currently operate from homes, garages and sheds in the town and the trust believes entrepreneurs could benefit from meeting like-minded people.

Mr Carleton added: “We need to look after the businesses we already have, grow these businesses where that is possible, accommodate new ways of working like hot-desking, virtual businesses and digital collaboration, and crucially, to provide the facilities and support infrastructures that these new businesses require.

“We believe we might be able to establish a 21st century enterprise zone on a site that once provided employment and offered a living to hundreds of people in Peebles.”

You can take part in the online survey at: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/peeblessurvey