Councillors will consider proposals for £5.2million of investment into local sport and leisure facilities at the meeting of Full Council on Thursday (21 May).
In November last year, Councillors agreed in principle to the allocation of over £5m of capital funds to support Live Borders to improve key facilities with the aim of driving up usage, associated income and reducing property costs.
The lastest report to Full Council can be found within the meeting agenda.
Feasibility studies and proposed investments
Since then, detailed feasibility work has been carried out looking at Teviotdale Leisure Centre in Hawick, Gytes Leisure Centre in Peebles and Tweedbank Sports Complex and Bowling Hall.
A prioritised and phased approach is being recommended which would deliver the redevelopment of Teviotdale Leisure Centre, including new health and fitness facilities, an extended soft play and new dry changing rooms, and an initial phase of investment at the Tweedbank facility focused on the bowling hall.
Works at the Gytes, and the full redevelopment of Tweedbank Sports Complex are recommended for future consideration, subject to the availability of capital funding, other Council capital investment priorities and further community engagement.
Council Leader, Councillor Euan Jardine
“The proposed approach would see the maximum return on the capital investment available at this time, delivering vital facility improvements and allowing for new activities and increased usage and income at both Teviotdale and Tweedbank.
“The extensive Teviotdale works can be carried out with minimal disruption, but the redevelopment of the Tweedbank bowling hall for year-round health and fitness and gymnastic use has significant implications on bowling which needs careful consideration.
“The feasibility work and comprehensive business cases developed have identified that significant increased income can be achieved through the proposed works, although by a later date than originally estimated. This would result in a budget gap for Live Borders, but we have already seen excellent progress over the past six months, including the delivery of significant in year, permanent and recurring savings. The Council will continue to work alongside Live Borders colleagues to identify how any gap can be bridged as required.
“A targeted approach to capital investment like this is essential to have fit-for-purpose sport, leisure and cultural facilities, which in turn can allow Live Borders to modernise the activities and services available and drive up income, which supports all Live Borders services across the whole of the Scottish Borders.”
Cultural services investment
New investment into various cultural services and hospitality facilities are not being prioritised at this time, pending an internal review by Live Borders of the opportunities and alignment with the forthcoming Cultural Strategy for the Scottish Borders. This review will identify capital investment ideas and opportunities to utilise external funding to maximise impact.
Several exciting investments in cultural facilities are already taking place, including the redevelopment of the Chambers Institution in Peebles, investment in Jedburgh Castle Jail and investment to co-locate Selkirk Library and Halliwell’s Museum. Small investment is also being made in Heart of Hawick to create a rehearsal space for performing arts.