Provisional date set for reopening of Jedburgh swimming pool as leisure centre thrown funding lifeline

Councillors are being asked to back plans to reopen the leisure centre in Jedburgh when they meet next week.

The Laidlaw Memorial Pool and Fitness Centre was forced to close two years ago after the trust which operated it became insolvent.

However, locals led a campaign to reopen its doors after packing out a public meeting - demanding Scottish Borders Council save its pool - in March last year.

Now, the local authority is being asked to approve a £135,000 package of support for a "community-led operating model".

Papers being presented to members ahead of Thursday's meeting state: "The proposed timeline for the reopening of the pool is summer 2027.

"While this may change depending on project progress and Borderlands Place Programme approval dates, this allows for Trustees to be appointed, funding applications to be submitted and lease arrangements to be agreed in 2026 whilst capital works and recruitment and training of staff would be undertaken in 2027."

The report makes clear that any funding would be subject to a successful Borderlands business case and the securing of external capital investment.

It adds: “Council revenue support would only be progressed if these conditions are achieved.”

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Significant investment would still be required before the doors could reopen.

Council papers estimate more than £620,000 of capital works would be needed, including upgrades to the heating system, repairs to the building and improvements aimed at cutting energy bills.

The proposal would see Jed Valley Swim take on a long-term lease of the building while working towards eventual ownership of the facility.

The community group is being supported by South of Scotland Enterprise, Borders Community Action and council officers as it develops a business plan for the pool's future.

Councillors are also being told that if no viable business case is developed and approved, the building could instead be declared surplus to requirements and sold.

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