The proposal was revealed by an Edinburgh-based property firm at a meeting of the Hawick Sports Initiative last week, when local sporting club members were presented with plans to bulldoze the cricket club and Volunteer Park – which would release funding for a major new sports development in Wilton Lodge Park.

Three representatives from capital firm Ashkirk Properties, acting on behalf of Duddingston House Properties, attended the meeting – which was attended by members of the cricket club, Wilton Park and Hawick Tennis, High School and local councillors – and advised the local club representatives that the sites had been earmarked for a supermarket redevelopment.

Ashkirk Properties director Gordon Hunter, who spoke at the meeting, told the Hawick News yesterday: "Duddingston Properties knows there is potential in Hawick, and so we are helping out and have tabled some options for discussion, to which the community will say yes or no.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to improve the town's sporting facilities, on the back of a commercial development."

The Hawick News understands these options include new cricket and rugby pitches, a stand and shared clubrooms, being built over the river in the park's cafe and putting green area. And it was also suggested that vehicular access and parking is improved with a possible new roadbridge adjacent to the tennis courts.

However, Councillor George Turnbull, a Sports Initiative committee member, says the plans are in the very early stages. "No formal approach has been made to the planning department and this was the first we'd heard of it", he said.

Although unable to pass any formal comment, he added: "The general feeling from my constituents is 'over my dead body'. The reduction in the sports pitches is causing great concern, as is road safety, and the obliteration of the park if it has to accommodate a new grandstand, clubrooms, and vehicle access."

But fellow ward member Councillor David Paterson is in no doubt over his opinion on the proposals. "This would destroy the park and I am opposed to it 100 per cent," he blasted. "I am not opposed to such a development coming to Hawick, but I am totally against this location, and I am sure the vast majority of the public will feel the same."

According to Mr Hunter, the Commercial Road area – currently the focus of a Scottish Borders Council draft plan for redevelopment – is too small, and comprises a mixed use scheme and ownership.
And they also claim that the owner of the cricket ground, Buccleuch Estates, is prepared to dispose of the land if the proposals have the backing of the Hawick community.

However, they received mixed views during last week's meeting, with cricket club members concerned over the loss of their clubrooms and the quality of a new square, whilst Sports Initiative chairman Sandy Wilson raised concerns over the playing fields being further from the school – although balanced against better facilities.

Rory Bannerman, who attended the meeting as the chairman of Hawick High School Parent Board and cricket club member, commented: "As a parent these plans do not thrill me, as new pitches, pavilions and car parking in the park would destroy its character. And a supermarket right next to a school is not best practise for traffic safety, not to mention a less pleasing view."

While speaking as a member of the cricket club, Mr Bannerman added: "Losing our ground and facilities to a different location will totally disrupt the park and is not best for the cricket club."

And these sentiments have been echoed by community council chairman Kevin Ferguson who told us: "From a personal point of view I am horrified by this idea and will do my utmost to stop this corporate violation of our town. I am certain that many people will share my view."

Developer Mr Hunter says the proposals are not on behalf of a specific supermarket chain, but did concede that he "knows there is interest."
And despite rumours being rife this week that it was a Tesco development, a press spokesperson for the retail giant said: "I can absolutely assure you this proposal is not us. Coming to Hawick is not something we are considering."

Mr Hunter, who says they are now awaiting feedback from the various local clubs, added: "Hawick could end up with one of the best sports facilities in the Borders, a new community facility that is second to none – although, of course, there will be winners and losers."