Sports report fails to cross the finish line

Published on Thursday 15 November 2007 12:02

CITY council leaders have failed to deliver a crucial report on the future of Meadowbank Stadium and the Royal Commonwealth Pool - for the second month in a row.

The future of both venues is still uncertain as concern mounts about the ability of the authority to deliver a revamped pool for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, for which it will host some events.

Officials were ordered in August to produce a series of options for Meadowbank, including selling off all or part of it for housing to pay for new facilities.

A proposed new arena in Sighthill has been shelved in favour of looking at redeveloping Meadowbank with new sports facilities, or refurbishing the existing complex and athletics arena.

The council is facing a black hole of at least 16 million to revamp the pool, while revamping Meadowbank has been priced at 40m. No price has yet been put on any new facilities on the site.

Sources within the council say the Lib Dem-SNP administration is banking on the Government bailing out the RCP project by filling in the black hole.

However, that would still leave a major headache on how to deliver first-class athletics training facilities in the Meadowbank area, particularly when campaigners are battling to prevent the sell-off of any land in the area for housing.

One senior council insider said: "The reason this report hasn't come out yet is simply because no realistic options are on the table.

"There are so many factors to consider, including Glasgow's successful Games bid.

"On the one hand, it would appear to be good news for the pool that it will host events, but Edinburgh has promised to deliver a revamped complex, and its plans have already had funding.

"However, it is even more difficult to see how on earth money is going to be found to get a decent scheme at Meadowbank off the ground."

Labour's sport and culture spokesman Paul Godzik said: "As usual with this administration, it's a case of delay, defer and indecision."

Tory counterpart Gordon Buchan added: "We were told that a report would be ready this month, and the whole thing does seem to be dragging on and on."

The decision to shelve the proposed Sighthill Stadium means the council has also had to approach both sportscotland and the Scottish Government for help.

City sports leader Deidre Brock said: "We're absolutely committed to the development of sports facilities in Edinburgh, but we have a range of complex options to consider for what is a multi-million pound investment. We're committed to making a decision that is right for city."