£150,000 splashed out on pool repairs

THE Victorian facade of Portobello's swimming baths is being restored to its former glory.

A four-month project to repair and replace the ageing stonework is due to be completed next month.

The 150,000 facelift also includes repair work to the roof of the Promenade building, which will celebrate its 110th birthday next year.

The project, funded by Edinburgh Leisure, began in November last year, but the swimming pool has remained open during the works.

It is one of several major projects being carried out to Edinburgh's swimming pools, including the 37 million revamp of the Commonwealth Pool and the 5.3m refurbishment at Glenogle Baths, both of which are currently under way.

Up to 150,000 is also being spent on fixing the roof of Warrender Swim Centre in Marchmont after a shard of glass fell and injured a swimmer.

Labour's Portobello and Craigmillar councillor, Maureen Child, who has in the past campaigned for the Portobello pool to be revamped, said the upkeep of the Grade-A listed building is essential, given its position on the front of the Promenade.

She said: "It's one of Edinburgh's historic Victorian baths and it's pretty special because it still has the sauna and everything.

"The pool was the subject of a campaign in 1996 to make sure that we got it refurbished and it's great to see that it's still being looked after.

"It stands on the seafront being blasted with sand and gales so the building does need to be looked after otherwise it could deteriorate very quickly.

"It's a much-loved facility which is always full of activity and is hugely important to Portobello so I'm very pleased that it's getting this facelift."

Portobello Swim Centre last underwent a major revamp 12 years ago. It was closed for almost three years during a 4.25m renovation, which brought the ageing facilities and former salt water pool into the 21st century.

The main pool was fitted with a moveable floor which allows the depth to be varied for teaching and coaching.

The refurbishment also gave the swim centre a new gym – featuring cardiovascular fitness equipment – and a fitness studio, as well as a cafe.

But the vast modernisation also kept the swimming pool's Victorian feel by restoring its Turkish and Russian baths, steam rooms and sauna, aerotone and two hot baths.

A spokeswoman for Edinburgh Leisure said: "As a not-for-profit organisation, Edinburgh Leisure works with City of Edinburgh Council to identify and fund a 25-year asset management plan to ensure that we provide and maintain the highest quality facilities possible for people in Edinburgh to get started and stay active.

"The current work being carried out to the stonework at Portobello Swim Centre is part of this ongoing cycle of refurbishment and replacement.

"We look forward to unveiling the building's facade in its full glory later in March."