PLANS have been drawn up to transform Jedburgh Laidlaw Memorial Swimming Pool & Fitness Centre after it was awarded £86,000 by Scottish Borders Council.

The upgrades are set to include new male and female changing areas, which will include lockers, cubicles, showers and WC; new disabled changing areas; an extension to the front entrance with a new reception, toilets and a bespoke children’s soft play area, with slides toys and a climbing frame.

New LED lights will also be fitted around the building to save on maintenance costs. The plans are expected to cost in excess of £250,000 and the council have set aside a portion of the cash as part of their £40 million allocation of capital funds.

David Thomas, Jedburgh Leisure Facilities Trust project co-ordinator, told the Border Telegraph: “The improvements will bring one of the town’s most important community services into the 21st century and give a new look and feel to the facility ensuring that Jedburgh remains at the forefront of leisure services in the Borders.

“We intend to deliver modern state- of-the-art facilities that delivers sustainability at one of the town’s most important community services.”

Trustees are also hoping to move on to a second phase, which would see the installation of a new fitness suite and hydro pool. 

Pool manager Billy Robson added: “We have waited a long time for this project to get off the ground our staff, users and the local community are very excited to hear this good news.”

The pool is currently promoting an Active, Healthy Lifestyles Programme to promote health and fitness in Jedburgh and the Borders.