Working with Live Borders, we will invest almost £5million into the redevelopment of Teviotdale Leisure Centre in Hawick and the conversion of the indoor bowling centre at Tweedbank.
Modernising facilities
This targeted investment to modernise facilities was agreed by Full Council. It will support ongoing efforts to drive up usage of local sport and leisure facilities and increase income for Live Borders, the charitable trust which provides a wide range of cultural, sport and leisure services across the Scottish Borders on our behalf.
Catriona McAllister, Chief Executive of Live Borders
“The work done through the first half of this year to look at various sport and leisure facilities has identified that focused investment into some of our key facilities can have a very positive impact, not just on the quality of the facilities themselves but also our membership numbers and overall financial position.
“If we are to deliver the best possible sport, leisure and cultural services for the residents of the Scottish Borders and visitors we need to make the most of the opportunities available to us, investing wisely to improve facilities, expand the services we deliver and encourage more people to use them more often.
“The additional money that will bring will help Live Borders to do more in other communities, improve other facilities and create a positive cycle of investment, increased income and better services for everyone.
“Unfortunately indoor bowling at Tweedbank is not generating enough footfall throughout the year and this is impacting on the overall financial position and long-term sustainability of the facility. By converting this space for family-focused activities and new uses, such as gymnastics, we’ll have a space which is busy and active 12 months of the year.
“Indoor bowling will continue to be available at Teviotdale Leisure Centre, with improved facilities to support this, including new changing facilities and café space, and we will continue to support this transition over the coming months.”
Investment into Teviotdale Leisure Centre
In Hawick, £4.2m has been allocated to a major redevelopment of Teviotdale Leisure Centre from next year, aimed at delivering an additional £500,000 of additional income a year by 2030/31.
This investment includes:
- Creating dedicated dry changing facilities for gym, fitness class and bowling centre users
- Provision of a modern, extended fitness area
- Expanded soft play area
- Relocated and improved café
- New group exercise and cycling studio spaces
- Reception and entrance improvements
Initial investment at Tweedbank
At Tweedbank, initial investment of £500,000 will see the conversion of the existing bowling centre for gymnastics, play and youth fitness. The redeveloped space will also cater for parties, providing a family-orientated centre with year-round usage.
It is estimated that this investment will support the centre to more than double its income in a year, moving from an annual operating deficit to a growing surplus.
Future projects
In November last year we agreed in principle to the allocation of up to £5.2m of capital funds to support Live Borders to improve key facilities. The remaining £500,000 will be moved to the 2028/29 budget to support future projects.
Works at the Gytes Leisure Centre and the full redevelopment of Tweedbank Sports Complex will be among those investment options considered in the future, following the feasibility work carried out earlier this year. Other options are also expected to come forward from Live Borders, including where external funding may also be available to support facility improvements.
Councillor Euan Jardine, Council Leader
“We have been working particularly closely with Live Borders over the past three years to identify ways in which we can address the needs of our communities, get more people active and get Live Borders into a sustainable financial position.
“There has been real progress made across a range of areas over recent months, and I want to pay tribute to Catriona and the whole of the Live Borders team and board of trustees for pressing forward with that work.
“I am pleased that the Council has now been able to commit this significant funding to support the continued progress of this journey, which will deliver new and improved services in Hawick and Tweedbank and attract greater usage and additional income which can then be reinvested into other Live Borders services.
“As part of the annual budget setting process the Council will look at opportunities to invest further in our sport, leisure and cultural facilities, operated by Live Borders, taking into account other Council priorities, funding available and the business cases for such investment.”
More information
Full details can be found in the report taken to Full Council on Thursday 21 May.