PLANNING permission has been granted for Melrose FC’s new changing rooms and community hub at Gibson Park.

Attention is now turning to how the club will take the project from the drawing board to spades in the ground.

The Architectural Heritage Fund has provided a grant of £8,000 to help take the plans through design refinement and all the way to the tender process where the club will choose their prime contractor for the refurbishment and build.

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And Melrose FC is now in discussions with Scottish Borders Council and SportScotland to see how they can raise the substantial sum needed for construction.

Melrose FC Chairman Greg Simpson said: “Project POWER UP aims to spark new life into our Engine Room home and provide a facility for Melrose Primary School and community groups to use.

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“It will also bring a Melrose heritage building back into public use.

“We’ve had amazing support from the community. The Melrose Community Council approved the plans. Melrose Primary School set out to the planning committee how they would use the new facility to support school sports and learning.

“Melrose Waverly Tennis Club gave us their blessing. Our local councillors, David Parker, Jenny Linehan and John Paton-Day, have been really positive and helpful throughout the process.

“A huge thank you to Gavin and Fraser from Camerons Strachan Yuill Architects and Tim from Ferguson Planning who have managed the project to date with great passion and professionalism.”