As of yesterday, an online council poll found 94% of 122 respondents supported rebuilding on the existing Scotland St site. Just 6% favoured a move.
The original complex — containing a cinema, hall and kitchen — was destroyed by fire on February 6. The L-shaped site was quickly cleared and remains vacant.
The poll forms part of the council’s consultation on the future of the facility and is still live.
In July, the Teviot Valley Community Board appointed four community members — Alastair Monteath, Sally Smith, Sarah Moore and David Weatherall — to a project steering group, alongside Crs Curtis Pannett and Martin McPherson and three staff.
The group’s role is to advise on planning and design, reflect community needs and review design proposals.
The group will also assist in reviewing design proposals and representing community feedback at key stages, particularly during procurement and design development.
The group said last month it had received public suggestions to look at alternative sites in Roxburgh and potentially incorporate retail or additional entertainment offerings into a new build.
However, at the district council’s most recent meeting, Teviot Valley Community Board chairman Mark Jessop warned residents would default to the status quo unless alternative sites were ready to be presented.
Without that information, the upcoming public meeting risked being dominated by frustration, he said.
Some were stuck in the past and would miss an opportunity for urban renewal of the town, he said.
The board requested the council approve the alternate sites investigation which would dip into the insurance payout and add about five months to the rebuilding timeline.
Cr Pannett said holding the meeting first would give the community a proper chance to voice its preferences before investing time and money in investigating new locations.
Tomorrow night’s public meeting will be at 7pm at the Roxburgh Golf Club.
The online poll remains open at the council’s "Let’s Talk" webpage.
