Funding confirmed for new tennis centre in Galashiels
Last updated 22nd Jul 2026
It's been confirmed a new tennis centre is to be built in the Scottish Borders.
Funding for the £1.5 million project at the new school campus in Galashiels was confirmed this morning (Wednesday).
As well as three artificial clay tennis courts under a canopy, two padel courts are also set to be created along with smart-access control and LED floodlights.
They're being built alongside the new multi-purpose sports pitches at the £64 million campus, with the former Academy being demolished to make way for the new development.
It's part of the Transforming Scottish Indoor Tennis (TSIT) project run by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), LTA Tennis Foundation, sportscotland and Tennis Scotland - with work due to start "immediately" and be completed early in 2027.
Chief Executive of sportscotland Forbes Dunlop said: “This is fantastic news for Borders communities and a landmark moment for tennis in the area.
"Beyond just a facility where people can play tennis year-round, this is about creating an environment where people can enjoy the sport and progress to whatever level they aspire to.
“The commitment of everyone involved in the TSIT fund to improving year-round access to tennis is clear and we will continue to work with local partners like Scottish Borders Council towards that goal.”
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The new school already boasts a 25m, six-lane swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sports halls, and gym facilities, with work underway on the 2G and 3G multi-purpose pitches.
With 12 registered clubs boasting 1500 members in the region, it's hoped the new development - only the fourth of its kind in Scotland - will encourage more people to pick up a racket and get active.
The fully-covered courts are also designed to address the gap in year-round provision, following reports of competitors having to travel outwith the area to train and take part in competitions during autumn and winter months.
Scottish Borders Council Leader Euan Jardine said: “This is a fantastic investment for the Scottish Borders that will leave a lasting legacy for both our young people and the wider community.
“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."
And the Galashiels councillor added: "We're delighted to be working with our partners to bring this exciting project to life."
LTA Chief Executive Scott Lloyd said: “The new tennis centre at Galashiels Academy is another important milestone for the Transforming Scottish Indoor Tennis project and a significant investment in the future of tennis in the Scottish Borders.
“Having access to year-round courts will create more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to play, while the artificial clay surface will provide valuable experience for players developing their game.
"Clay courts help improve movement, patience and tactical awareness, and increasing access to this type of surface is important in supporting the development of British players."
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TSIT is described as the largest capital investment programme in the sport’s history in Scotland, and the aim is to create more and better opportunities to play tennis all year round.
The investment in Galashiels - which will be operated by local leisure trust Live Borders - follows the opening of new facilities at Oriam in Edinburgh, Moray Sports Centre and the King George V sports complex in Dumfries & Galloway.
Blane Dodds, Chief Executive of Tennis Scotland, said: “Our sport is flourishing in Scotland with more people playing tennis than ever before, so investment in outstanding new facilities like this is vital to meeting that demand.
“I am delighted that the thriving tennis community in Scottish Borders will be able to access all-year-round tennis and padel, bringing more people into our sports and benefiting both player development and health and wellbeing.”
WATCH: Work gets underway on the demolition of the former Academy building in Galashiels...
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