An Iceland ‘food warehouse’ store is to move into the former New Look outlet at Unit 6 on the Gala Water Retail Park in Galashiels.

The new outlet is earmarked to open in May of this year and will be offering both bulk-buy and convenience options alongside the standard product range.

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Meanwhile, an assurance has been given that the current Iceland store in Galashiels High Street will remain open.

Members of Scottish Borders Council’s Licensing Board granted a premises licence for the new premises when they met on Friday (January 23).

An Iceland spokesperson said there were currently 25 of Iceland’s larger ‘food warehouse’ stores now trading in Scotland, with 203 across the UK.

Chloe Crawford added: “In terms of the Galashiels store specifically it is important to note that it will employ 40 members of staff, both full and part time, and the planned opening date is around May 2026, all being well.

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“There will be an investment of around £1.3m in this store and I would also like to flag that the opening of this store will not impact on the Iceland store in the High Street in Galashiels, which is a different concept from this one. So for the avoidance of doubt the High Street premises will not be closing down.”

Board chair Marshall Douglas, a Tweeddale East councillor, said: “We all welcome this innovative move and it is pleasing to hear that a vacant premises is being taken over in Galashiels and that the existing store is staying open as well, which is very encouraging.”

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Leaderdale and Melrose councillor David Parker added: “It’s good to see the unit coming back into use and also good to see another retailer coming into the central Borders, so very happy to support and I’m sure it will be a success.”

Councillor David Parker backed the move (Image: SBC)

There were no objections to the premises licence application from Police Scotland or other bodies.

The New Look outlet in Galashiels closed in August, 2023.