Wednesday November 4th 2026
A computer generated image of the proposed padel court development, opposite the TriFitness gym in Galashiels.
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Go-head has been given to a new four-court padel tennis facility at a former builder’s yard in Galashiels.
Scottish Borders Council planners have rubber-stamped permission for the leisure outlet east of Galamoor House on the Netherdale Industrial Estate.
The development will be operated by council leisure provider Live Borders and integrated with its existing TriFitness gym, allowing users to access changing and shower facilities.
It will be constructed to Lawn Tennis Association specifications and will operate through an automated pay-to-play system, providing a managed and accessible recreational facility for the local community.
The applicant, Waukrigg Development Company Limited, is an established property developer and landlord with over 40 years of active involvement in the Borders commercial property market.
SBC Lead planning planning officer Carlos Clarke, in a report approving the bid, says the applicants advised that the site was actively marketed in 2023/2024, with no substantive interest during that period and only one viewing taking place.
It was taken off the market in February 2024 due to what is described as a “complete lack of interest” that didn’t justify spending more on its market availability.
Mr Clarke states: “The applicants advised that the only serious interest has come from Live Borders for the padel development itself and as regards alternative sites, only one other of theirs was considered but would be too small.
“The proposal also has the potential to considerably improve the appearance of the site, which would benefit the estate more generally, and provide an accessible local facility for internal sports use that would provide a community benefit.
“Accounting for the apparent lack of industrial-occupier interest and attempts at marketing; and the understandable difficulty in siting such a use within an existing town centre building, I consider that it does not, on balance, demonstrably conflict with the council’s development plan based on the circumstances in this particular case.”
A report from Aitken Turnbull Architects stated: “The submitted marketing evidence demonstrates that there has been no substantive interest from industrial or business operators despite formal marketing, cross-marketing and the applicant’s own direct exposure to the local commercial property market.
“The only meaningful interest has come from leisure operators, including Live Borders, which reflects both the changing character of Netherdale and the site’s suitability for the proposed use.
“In this context, the proposed change of use is considered to be justified. It would not undermine the practical availability of business and industrial land locally, but would instead secure the beneficial redevelopment of a long-vacant and degraded site for a use that delivers clear community, health, well-being and regeneration benefits.”
The site would comprise four covered padel courts, together with associated access, parking, cycle parking, seating, landscaping, lighting, bin storage and ancillary operational areas.
The report adds: “Overall, the proposal would result in a significant visual improvement when compared with the current vacant former builder’s yard. It would replace an underused site with a coherent, landscaped and professionally managed sports facility.”
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