THE Gytes Leisure Centre in Peebles is in line for a £55,000 makeover.

Plans for the centre include the creation of a new soft play facility aimed at pre-school and early primary age children to entertain and encourage physical activity.

The centre will also be reconfigured to feature a new gym with panoramic views, a new fully air-conditioned exercise studio, a seating area and a family room.

The Gytes will be closed from August 3 until August 16 whilst the refurbishment work takes place and will re-open on August 17.

The centre is managed by Borders Sport and Leisure and chief executive Ewan Jackson said: “We’re delighted to be launching our first soft play centre at the Gytes which will be the biggest centre of its kind in the area. At the same time we will be providing our gym and class users with a newly located gym with great views over the Peeblesshire countryside and a fantastic new air conditioned exercise studio.” The investment forms part of Borders Sport and Leisure’s rolling programme to develop and improve the facilities it manages across the region.

Mr Jackson added: “We are fully aware of the need to continually invest in the leisure facilities in our care and to match them to the changing requirements of our customers.

“The improvements we have planned for the Gytes will transform this centre and enable us to provide a host of new fitness class and family based activities that we hope will encourage even more people to become regular customers.” Other leisure facilities in the area managed by Borders Sport and Leisure, including Peebles Swimming Pool and Peebles High School Sport Centre, will continue to offer a full range of activities throughout the Gytes refurbishment period.