MAJOR redevelopment plans for Teviotdale Leisure Centre have been unveiled.

The £263,000 project will see the flume ride reopening, the creation of an improved soft play area, a new exercise studio, the introduction of smaller water-play features, the upgrading of the café area, and also a new reception area.

Live Borders, the non-profit cultural and sport trust which is responsible for running Teviotdale Leisure Centre, received board approval for the project this week.

Ewan Jackson, Live Borders chief executive, told the Border Telegraph: “We are delighted to announce that a project to refurbish the Teviotdale Leisure Centre has now been agreed.

"The centre will provide a fantastic day out for all the family with the re-opened flume, a large soft play, some smaller play features in the pool, the upgraded café area and a welcoming reception area.

“The people of Hawick have long been seeking the re-opening of the flume and this will be a fantastic asset to bring back to the town. We’ve worked with a range of specialists and consultants to make sure we overcome the issues that forced the flume’s closure in 2008.”

Teviotdale Leisure Centre, which originally opened in 1982, will include a significantly larger and improved soft play as well as the only flume in the area.

The flume was closed in 2008 due to its age and operational costs.

Timings for the works are currently being planned and major redevelopments expected to start at the end of 2017.

The project is expected to be completed in early 2018.