Waterworld money will help other pool

SOME of the money from the sale of the popular Leith Waterworld facility is to be used to fund "child-friendly" improvements to another Leith swimming pool.

Councillors have agreed that, if the sale of the Capital's only leisure pool with flumes and wave machines generates more than the 1 million they estimated it was worth in 2009, then the money will go towards improvements to the Leith Victoria Swim Centre.

Leith Waterworld will close next spring when the refurbished Royal Commonwealth Pool (RCP) reopens.

The business case for the 37m RCP development included 1m from the sale of the Easter Road pool.

But city council chiefs believe that it may now generate more because of an upturn in land values since the low of 2009, when the site's valuation was estimated. With the RCP revamp continuing on budget, that means extra money could be available for other projects.

And, following the intervention of deputy council leader Steve Cardownie, a commitment has now been given to make the "Leith Vic", which dates back to 1896, top priority for any investment.

Councillor Cardownie said: "We need to look at what we can do for kids. Leith Victoria is a straight 25-metre swimming pool and we need to look at how we can enhance it to make it a fun pool as well.

"There is definitely a market for kids to enjoy themselves and for many young kids, Leith Waterworld is a first introduction to swimming.

"We could look to put something in (to Leith Victoria] to make it more child-friendly."

Among the likely options is periods of the daye set aside for fun activities for children, such as a wave machine.

Leith Waterworld is expected to be put on the market in the summer ahead of it closing next spring when the RCP reopens.

Leith councillor Gordon Munro said: "Leith Victoria was saved because the people of Leith wanted to retain it and there is a love for that facility.

"If there is surplus income (from the Waterworld sale) I hope it does go to that facility."

It is not yet known what will happen to the Leith Waterworld site, although potential uses include a new leisure facility, retail or housing.

Councillor Deidre Brock, culture and leisure convener, said: "As per the council decision under the previous administration in 2005 regarding the funding package for the RCP refurbishment, Leith Waterworld will be advertised for commercial sale. The intention is to commence marketing within the coming weeks.

"I'm delighted committee members unanimously endorsed Cllr Cardownie's recommendation that extra monies from the sale should go towards Leith Victoria Swim Centre and other city sports facilities."