A SPORTING transformation is set to be ignited at a former Borders fire station.

Booming Melrose FC has submitted a planning application to Scottish Borders Council for the extension of the club’s headquarters, known as the Engine Room, in Gibson Park.

The bid has been submitted with junior and youth playing membership having increased by 27 per cent since 2019.

There are now more than 300 registered players between the ages of five and 15 – a third of whom are girls.

The existing building comprises of a stone-built fire station which closed in 2007 before being purchased and reused by Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue.

Historically, the Engine Room outbuilding provided storage for the ‘motorcar’ used to pull the fire engine in the early 1900s.

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The current premises has been adapted for use by Melrose FC since February 2011 and is used as the club headquarters, and as a storage space, changing room, showers, toilets, and kitchen.

The £300k redevelopment proposal seeks to extend and redesign the current premises in order to create a fit for purpose multi-use space for the club, Melrose Primary School and the wider community.

A report from Galashiels-based Ferguson Planning says: “While retaining the character of the original building, the project envisages the addition of a purpose-built timber changing facility of up to 123 sqm to provide home and away dressing rooms including showers and toilets, a referee’s room, equipment storage space, a disabled toilet, and a kitchen.

“It again provides indoor space for parents to meet and watch their children play football on Gibson Park.

“The proposed building would be utilised primarily by Melrose Football Club, but additionally, by Melrose Primary School and other community bodies who will be encouraged to use the new activity space to expand their physical education and other off-campus teaching facilities.

“The proposed development aims to enhance the use of the Engine Room as a central hub of the Melrose community and provide a space for the physical and mental well-being of a diverse group of people.”