Scottish Borders Councillors will this week consider proposals to invest £5.2 million in sport and leisure facilities across the region at a meeting of Full Council on today, Thursday, 21 May.

In November last year, councillors agreed in principle to allocate more than £5 million of capital funding to support Live Borders in upgrading key venues, with the aim of increasing usage, growing associated income and cutting property costs. A report to Full Council is included in the meeting agenda.

Since then, detailed feasibility studies have examined options for Teviotdale Leisure Centre in Hawick, Gytes Leisure Centre in Peebles, and Tweedbank Sports Complex and its Bowling Hall.

A prioritised, phased programme is being recommended. It would deliver the redevelopment of Teviotdale Leisure Centre, including new health and fitness facilities, an expanded soft play area and new dry changing rooms. An initial phase of investment at Tweedbank would focus on the bowling hall.

Further works at the Gytes, along with the full redevelopment of Tweedbank Sports Complex, are proposed for future consideration, subject to available capital funding, wider Council investment priorities and additional community engagement.

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Council Leader, Councillor Euan Jardine, said: "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."

New spending on cultural services and hospitality facilities is not being prioritised at this stage, pending an internal Live Borders review aligned to the forthcoming Cultural Strategy for the Scottish Borders. The review will generate capital investment ideas and explore opportunities to leverage external funding.

Several cultural projects are already under way, including the redevelopment of the Chambers Institution in Peebles, investment in Jedburgh Castle Jail, plans to co-locate Selkirk Library with Halliwell's Museum, and a small investment at Heart of Hawick to create a rehearsal space for performing arts.