In a letter sent to all sporting clubs that use the facilities, the Council have asked for written submissions to the Independent Working Group that has been set up to look into plans for the future of Meadowbank and the RCP. The letters were sent or emailed yesterday (Tuesday 15th) and respondents are asked to reply by the 24th May.

Under the current plans a new multi-sport stadium and sports complex will be built at Sighthill and the majority of the current site at Meadowbank sold for mixed development. A new community sports centre is proposed for the remainder of the site.

The money from the sale of the Meadowbank site will be used to help pay for the new Stadium at Sighthill and the refurbishment of the Commonwealth Pool. The money for the new sports centre in the East would be found from existing Council budgets.

However, a meeting of the Council on 26th April agreed that a Working Group would be set up that consider the options for a possible refurbishment of Meadowbank, the principle of the sale of the site, and the provision of sporting facilities in the East.

This working group would be made up of local councillors, representatives from the relevant Community Councils, Edinburgh Leisure, Equality Forum, the South East Sports Facilities Project Group and sporting organisations (who will be selected following the submission of the written evidence) and will have an independent chair, who is currently being appointed. The Group has to prepare an interim report for the Chief Executive, to be presented to the Council meeting on 28th June.

Jim Inch, Director of Corporate Services said:
“The Working Group has a very short timescale to report back to Council and this was felt to be the quickest and easiest way of ensuring that everyone who has a vested interest has the opportunity to make their feelings known. The responses will be analysed and some respondents will then be asked to attend meetings of the Working Group to discuss their views further.”

Letters are being sent to every club on the Edinburgh Leisure database, but there may be some clubs who are not yet on the database or who use Meadowbank infrequently but would still like the views to be taken into account. They are asked to call 0131 529 3952, or email: sportdevelopment@edinburgh.gov.uk

or write to:

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Culture and Sport
CORPORATE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Level 2/1 City of Edinburgh Council
Waverley Court
4 East Market Street
Edinburgh
EH8 8BG