Joint review of sport, leisure and cultural services

N/A - this facility did not form part of the scoring exercise as in line with the previous decision of Council relating to the new Galashiels Academy Campus, it will close during 2026 when all current activities have been relocated.

N/A - a new pool will open within the new Academy as planned.

Retain Old Gala House whilst disposal of the property is sought via community asset transfer or other means, to the benefit of the Galashiels Common Good Fund and the residents of Galashiels with a view to a full community asset transfer being completed by 31 March 2029. As this is a common good asset a further consultation would be required to comply with the principles of the law regarding common good assets at the point that any asset transfer is being considered.

Close the Focus Centre and relocate activities to a remodelled Langlee Community Centre and other sites to maximise the benefits for the community, support property rationalisation and deliver reduced associated property costs.  

Retain TriFitness and maximise usage and income generation.

Retain Corn Exchange/Ormiston Institute whilst opportunities are explored to maximise usage and income generation with a view to a full community asset transfer being completed by 31 March 2029, subject to a robust and sustainable business case being presented to the benefit of the Ormiston Trust for Institute. As this is a trust asset additional legal steps would be required before this recommendation can be progressed.

N/A - the library has been relocated to the new primary school, as intended.

Retain Lauder Public Hall whilst opportunities are explored to maximise usage and income generation with a view to a full community asset transfer being completed by 31 March 2029, subject to a robust and sustainable business case being presented. As this is a common good asset a further consultation would be required to comply with the principles of the law regarding common good assets at the point that any asset transfer is being considered.

Retain Stow Town Hall and seek to maximise usage and income generation with a view to a full community asset transfer being completed by 31 March 2029, subject to a robust and sustainable business case being presented. At the point that this progresses to an asset transfer request there will need to be a further legal process since this property is held by SBC as a trust.

Retain Langlee Community Centre and remodel to stimulate and maximise community activities in an improved, vibrant facility, increasing usage and income generation, including through the relocation of activities currently taking place at the Focus Centre.

Retain Newtown St Boswells Community Wing and introduce a new management/operating model to maximise usage and income generation with a view to a full community asset transfer being completed by 31 March 2029 subject to a robust and sustainable business case being presented.

Regarding Selkirk Leisure Centre and Caravan Park, request that officers work with the community with the aim of establishing a robust and sustainable business case for a full Community Asset Transfer and community-led operation or any other 3rd party operational arrangements. Recognises ongoing Council revenue funding would be required to support a community operation. A further report to Council will be required on this proposal at such time as a request for Council funding is received, or if urgent capital investment is required to support ongoing operation of the facility. If there is no viable community or 3rd party solution by 31 March 2029 the facility will close and consultation on disposal will be progressed, in accordance with law regarding common good assets.

Retain Halliwell's House Museum and co-locate Selkirk library service into the building and progress with development of a shared access arrangement with Sir Walter Scott’s Courtroom which allows staffing rationalisation and increased footfall across both sites. Pursue disposal of the Library building.

Retain Halliwell's House Museum and co-locate Selkirk library service into the building and progress with development of a shared access arrangement with Sir Walter Scott’s Courtroom which allows staffing rationalisation and increased footfall across both sites. Pursue disposal of the Library building.

Retain Argus Community Centre and maximise usage and income generation, whilst a long-term proposition is developed, to be shaped by discussions with existing tenant and user groups exploring options which enable property rationalisation and support early learning, educational and community benefits within Selkirk.

Regarding Selkirk Leisure Centre and Caravan Park, request that officers work with the community with the aim of establishing a robust and sustainable business case for a full Community Asset Transfer and community-led operation or any other 3rd party operational arrangements. Recognises ongoing Council revenue funding would be required to support a community operation. A further report to Council will be required on this proposal at such time as a request for Council funding is received, or if urgent capital investment is required to support ongoing operation of the facility. If there is no viable community or 3rd party solution by 31 March 2029 the facility will close and consultation on disposal will be progressed, in accordance with law regarding common good assets.

Retain Tweedbank Sports Centre and Bowling Hall and undertake property feasibility works to identify opportunities to maximise usage and income and associated investment requirements.

Retain Tweedbank Community Centre and introduce a new management/operating model to maximise usage and income generation with a view to a full community asset transfer being completed by 31 March 2029 subject to a robust and sustainable business case being presented.