Earlier this year the Netherdale Partnership, which comprises of representatives from Scottish Borders Council, Scottish Enterprise Borders, Heriot-Watt University, NHS Borders, The Borders Professional Rugby Team, Gala RFC, Borders Soccer Academy and Gala Fairydean FC, agreed to commission a consultant to carry out the study. And, after interviewing four possible candidates, Manchester-based Pan-Leisure Consulting Limited in association with Drivers Jonas and Roger Tym & Partners, were awarded the contract.
Michael Gray, a well-known Borders businessman and member of the Netherdale Partnership, commented: "This is a tremendous opportunity to assess the potential of developing an international standard sports facility, which will bring benefit to both sports and business in the area."
A number of potential uses for the new improved arena, which include introducing a wider range of sporting facilities as well as upgrading the existing ones, have already been identified by the partnership and the study will also consider the opportunity for other facilities on adjacent sites.
Although the study is in its early stages it is hoped that the final report will be submitted within 18 weeks when the partnership will then look at taking the proposals forward.
Councillor Leader David Parker added: "The future facilities at Netherdale are vital components to support professional rugby, Heriot-Watt University's students, and sport for the entire Borders community. I look forward to the publication of Pan-Leisure's report later this year."