Hawick in line for new £1Mpitch

Hawick looks set to have a £1million state-of-the-art all-weather sports pitch at Volunteer Park by the end of next year.

The project is being driven by the Hawick Sports Initiative and Bill McLaren Park Ltd and is being hailed as a further boost for the town.

The project will be funded by Scottish Borders Council and Sportscotland and this week, Councillor Stuart Marshall said: “The prospect of Hawick having a 3G pitch next year will definitely be a shot in the arm for the many sporting clubs in our town.

“The Hawick Sports Initiative and Bill McLaren Park Ltd deserve much praise for pushing hard for such a facility and I am absolutely delighted that SBC and Sportsscotland are on board to provide the funding required.

“Once delivered, this terrific facility can only serve to complement the millions of pounds that have already beencommitted by both SBC and the Heritage Lottery Fund for the Wilton Lodge Park area .

“Of course, there are still several hurdles to overcome but with everyone continuing to pull together then I am confident that such a project can be deliverable in 2016.”

Councillor Watson McAteer added: “The very real prospect of a 3G virtually all-weather pitch for Hawick is great news and continues the momentum to bring high-quality sports facilities to our town. It is important that the local clubs and organisations who will be impacted are fully consulted and arrangements agreed that maximises the benefit for all.”

A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson said: “Should the recommendations in the report be approved, the Hawick 3G pitch project will represent a £1.277million investment which will improve sport facilities in the town.

“This investment is alongside a number of other schemes being taken forward in Hawick, including the ongoing £3.64million Wilton Lodge Park regeneration project.”