A new regional tennis centre in the Borders is due to open early next year. The £1.5m three-court facility at Galashiels Academy is part of the Transforming Scottish Indoor Tennis (TSIT) project run by the LTA, LTA Tennis Foundation, Sportscotland and Tennis Scotland.
The scheme, which also includes two covered padel courts, is aimed at filling geographical gaps in provision across the country. Galashiels Academy will be the fourth TSIT venue after facilities at Oriam in Edinburgh, Moray Sports Centre in Elgin and the King George V sports complex in Dumfries.
The new clay courts will enhance an "already thriving tennis community" in the Scottish Borders, with 12 registered clubs and more than 1,500 playing members. The new Galashiels Academy campus opened to pupils earlier this year.
Sportscotland chief executive Forbes Dunlop said the new centre was a "landmark moment" for tennis in the area.
Scottish Borders Council leader Euan Jardine described it as a "fantastic investment" which would leave a "lasting legacy".
"By adding the region's first covered tennis courts alongside new padel facilities at Galashiels Academy, we're creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be active, develop new skills and enjoy sport all year round," he said.
"We're delighted to be working with our partners to bring this exciting project to life."
How will the new centre affect tennis in the Borders?
The new clay courts are expected to strengthen tennis in the Scottish Borders by adding the region's first covered tennis courts and new padel facilities at Galashiels Academy. The development is intended to broaden access for people of all ages and abilities and support year-round sport.
Where does Galashiels Academy fit into the TSIT project?
Galashiels Academy is the fourth venue in the Transforming Scottish Indoor Tennis programme. The other TSIT sites are Oriam in Edinburgh, Moray Sports Centre in Elgin and the King George V sports complex in Dumfries.
What was said about the investment?
Forbes Dunlop said the new centre marked a "landmark moment" for tennis in the area, while Euan Jardine called it a "fantastic investment" that would leave a "lasting legacy". The council leader said the project would create opportunities for active participation, new skills and sport throughout the year.
What is already in place at the academy?
The new Galashiels Academy campus opened to pupils earlier this year. The wider site is now set to add the three-court tennis centre and two covered padel courts as part of the regional development.
Key Facts
- The £1.5m three-court facility at Galashiels Academy is due to open early next year.
- The project includes two covered padel courts and is part of the TSIT scheme.
- Galashiels Academy will be the fourth TSIT venue in Scotland.
- The Scottish Borders has 12 registered clubs and more than 1,500 playing members.
- The new Galashiels Academy campus opened to pupils earlier this year.
