Edinburgh facility investment plans making progress

Edinburgh City Council is set to support plans for major investment in the city’s sporting infrastructure, including the renovation of the Royal Commonwealth Pool.

The Royal Commonwealth would undergo a £30m revamp, due to commence in 2007, to modernise the 50m pool, diving pool and fun pool, bringing the venue back to international competition status.

Further plans being considered by the council include the construction of a £49m sports complex in Sighthill. The complex would feature a range of facilities, including a 6,000-capacity athletics venue, rugby stadium, sports hall with indoor running track, gymnastics training hall and outdoor synthetic pitches.

Much of the funding for the schemes would come from the council, although this would depend on the sale of Leith Waterworld and Meadowbank Sports Centre. Additional funds may come from sportscotland.

Donald Anderson, leader of the council, said: “We are moving full steam ahead with our plans to have some of the best new sports facilities in Europe.”

The proposals have received the thumbs up from Scottish Swimming and sportscotland.