Wednesday May 6th 2026
Jedburgh Town Hall
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A non-profit organisation has been given the go-ahead to develop a “multi-million pound” vision for the town.
Jedburgh Community Arts exists to encourage and champion creativity in all its forms in and around Jedburgh, through project work and representing creative people.
Now it has been approached by Jedburgh Town Team with the offer of being the lead organisation to develop plans for Jedburgh Town Hall – an offer which has been accepted.
A Jedburgh Community Arts spokesperson said: “This means all those ideas gathered for how the Old Library could have been a community hub for activities and events now have a new home as part of this project.
“It’s a big thing, a multi-million pound vision.
“But alongside the developments with Jedburgh Swimming Pool and The Old Bakery, this could really mark a hugely positive change for the town.
“We have until March 2027 to form a robust plan and we want as many people to feed into that as possible.”
Townsfolk have their first chance to speak to group members on Saturday, May 9, at the Jedburgh Needs You event, which is in the Town Hall (10am-1pm).
It will offer the opportunity to sign up to be a member of Jedburgh Community Arts and to become involved in the exciting project.
The latest development comes against a backdrop of concern at the loss of community facilities in the town.
Laidlaw Memorial Pool closed following the insolvency of Jedburgh Leisure Facilities Trust in November 2024.
The pool has remained closed since that time, however, the facility continues to be maintained by the council and is classed as a vacant building within the non-operational estate.
Community engagement undertaken as part of the options appraisal confirmed a strong level of community attachment to the facility, alongside repeated calls for the swimming pool to reopen.
Last year an Integratis consultation report proposed that the pool should remain closed, with options for permanent closure, disposal and Community Asset Transfer (CAT) assessed and scored as part of the appraisal process.
The council subsequently agreed at its meeting in November last year that officers should support a community steering group in developing a business plan for the reopening of the pool, including the requirements necessary to bring the facility back into operation.
Ongoing support has been provided to the community steering group by South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and SBC, including financial assistance to develop a business plan and verify costs.
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