A BID to revolutionise sporting provision in Peebles is set to go on show to the public.

The project includes the potential relocation of Peebles Rovers from Whitestone Park to Violet Bank into purpose-built accommodation.

Additional athletics facilities at the site are also proposed, including a running track/path.

An upgrade to the current changing rooms at the Gytes Leisure Centre forms part of the project, as well as improved hospitality space at the Tweeddale FC pavilion.

A new build at Whitestone Park which will house enhanced equipment storage and changing facilities is also proposed.

The project – tabled by ClubSport Tweeddale – secured backing from the town’s common good fund to the tune of almost £5,800 in July to go towards an evaluation.

Consultation events on the plans will run at the Gytes Leisure Centre on Thursday (April 13), Friday and Saturday between 2.30pm-6.30pm.

A ClubSport Tweeddale spokesperson said: “Sport has the opportunity to improve mental and physical wellbeing as well as bring the opportunity to socialise and blow off steam.

“Following lockdown, sport and physical activity has already shown that it has a place in society and we would like to enhance that.”

They added: “The current project’s aim is to future proof the current and future facilities available to the residents of Peebles.

“By enhancing the facilities at Whitestone Park including some hospitality it would increase accessibility for the community including disability and opportunities for others to get involved in other roles to support the community.

“By moving Peebles Rovers FC Whitestone Park, all clubs would have more opportunities to develop and expand meeting the clubs’ waiting lists for all ages. This would give Peebles further access to wide open space for other recreational activities.

“Consideration has been taken to other users of the space including dog walkers, Beltane sports, Active Schools activities including Sport Relief challenges, sports development programmes that include cycling and holiday programme provision delivered in collaboration with the national governing bodies.

“All would benefit from better toilets, changing and potential hospitality if spectators are coming from far who may even like some warmth, shelter and a hot drink.”

The spokesperson said it is hoped the project “will make a fundamental difference to the sporting provision for Peebles for years to come”.

Members of the public will be shown the plans at the consultation events and will be given an opportunity to provide feedback.

The plan is to then make a bid to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Described as the government’s ‘flagship’ fund, it provides cash to help groups “protect important local landmarks like pubs, sports clubs and community hubs”.

In the most recent round of applications, the Borders was unsuccessful.