£15m rugby ground revamp plans are scrum-thing else

LONG-awaited plans for a new hotel and clubhouse at Edinburgh Accies' Raeburn Place home have moved a step forward, with a decision expected by the end of the year.

A planning application is set to be submitted next month for the 15 million development, which includes a new 5.5m sports clubhouse and the restoration of the derelict Raeburn House Hotel - a grade B listed building - to create a 50 bedroom hotel.

The Accies club, the oldest in Scotland, had hoped to mark its 150th anniversary last year by moving into a new purpose-built home, but instead remained decamped to portable cabins behind the pitch.

The original planning proposal from Festival Inns lapsed amid concern over rising costs and the economic downturn, but the firm has since revived the project, launching a new period of consultation in May.

With a planning decision now possible by the end of the year, the club could move into its new home by early 2012.Plans for the three-star hotel also include a bar, restaurant and conference facilities.

The project would also create 30 new jobs.

Sandy Burnett, president of the Edinburgh Academical Club, which owns the ground, said: "We are obviously keen to see this development go ahead so that Raeburn Place can be restored to its former glory.

"It is vital we have a high- quality clubhouse that will last for future generations."

The original plans attracted criticism within the Stockbridge community and various changes from the original plan were made to the hotel development around the listed Raeburn House.

The less controversial proposals for the rugby club remain the same, with six new changing rooms, a weights room, office and social club rooms.

Festival Inns director Richard Spanner said: "A positive planning decision would mean we can go ahead with these exciting plans to create a clubhouse of which the Edinburgh Academicals can be proud.

"The hotel, restaurant, bar and conference room will also provide useful facilities for the local community."

Raeburn Place hosted the first ever international rugby match - between Scotland and England - in 1871, the first Calcutta Cup clash in 1879 and the first Women's Rugby World Cup final in 1994.