The Galashiels Academy campus is set to gain a significant boost to its sporting offer after confirmation that a new indoor tennis and padel centre will be developed on the site, bringing covered year-round courts to the heart of the Scottish Borders.
Funding and partnership
The project, supported through the Transforming Scottish Indoor Tennis (TSIT) initiative, has secured just over £1.5 million to deliver three covered tennis courts and two covered padel courts at the Galashiels school campus. TSIT is a collaborative capital programme led by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the LTA Tennis Foundation, sportscotland and Tennis Scotland, backed by a wider £15 million investment across Scotland.
The new facility is being developed in partnership with Scottish Borders Council and will be operated by Live Borders, which already manages the authority’s sport, leisure and cultural services.
What the scheme will deliver
- Three artificial-clay tennis courts under a canopy, with smart access control and LED floodlighting;
- Two covered padel courts to broaden racket sport provision;
- Changing rooms and complementary infrastructure, building on the recently completed school campus.
Work is due to begin immediately, with the canopy-covered tennis courts expected to open in early 2027. The courts will be added to a campus that has already seen a major investment of £64 million and currently includes a 25-metre six-lane swimming pool, gym facilities and plans for 2G and 3G multi-purpose pitches.
Local impact and context
The new indoor provision will fill a recognised gap in all-year tennis facilities across Scotland. Galashiels will become the fourth TSIT venue following projects at Oriam in Edinburgh, the Moray Sports Centre and the King George V sports complex in Dumfries & Galloway — all opened within the last two-and-a-half years.
Within the Scottish Borders there are already 12 registered tennis clubs and more than 1,500 playing members. The covered courts and padel provision are intended to support participation growth across ages and abilities by offering a consistent, weather-proof base for coaching, community play and club sessions.
Summary of key figures
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| TSIT contribution | £1.5m+ |
| Galashiels campus cost (completed) | £64m |
| Courts to be delivered | 3 covered tennis, 2 covered padel |
| Operator | Live Borders |
The project represents the largest single capital programme for indoor tennis in Scotland and is aimed at creating more opportunities to play throughout the year. For residents of Galashiels and the surrounding Borders communities, the development is likely to expand access to racket sports and strengthen the role of the academy as a local sporting hub.
