Edinburgh Corn Exchange owner feels venue has been ‘snubbed’ as Covid-19 vaccination centre

Edinburgh Corn Exchange owner Paul DeMarco believes that his venue has been ‘snubbed’ in assisting in the fight against Covid-19 as it has emerged that the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) is the favourite to win a contract with the health board to act as the main vaccination centre for the Capital according to sources close to NHS Lothian’s board.

With the 3000-person capacity venue currently standing empty and unused due to the ongoing covid-19 restrictions, owner Paul DeMarco is keen to adapt and play his part in the fight against covid.

Located in Edinburgh’s Chesser area, the Edinburgh Corn Exchange regularly plays host to a wide range of events, from gigs, exhibitions, and weddings, to government conferences and NHS events which have been halted this year due to the pandemic.

Mr DeMarco believes that due to the venue’s 3,000-person capacity, accessible location, and free on-site parking, it could easily be transformed into a vaccination centre, but claims his business has been ‘snubbed’ as he has not been able to submit a proposal for its use as a vaccination centre.

Reports earlier this week suggested that the decision may have already been made to host the Capital’s vaccination centre within the EICC.

Paul DeMarco, Edinburgh Corn Exchange owner

Depute leader of Edinburgh City Council, Cammy Day, did not confirm the EICC is the front runner, but said the centre is ‘being seriously considered’.

The Forth councillor said: “We are having ongoing discussions with Scottish government and NHS Lothian on suitable venues to host a central vaccine.

“The council’s International Conference Centre is one of those being seriously considered as a central accessible venue.”

The first vaccine to be administered in Edinburgh is likely to be the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine, which is due to be approved for use in the UK in the next few weeks.

Mr DeMarco added: “Why do the publicly funded venues get the grants and events, and privately owned venues like ours are excluded, even from inclusion in the bidding process?

“It’s completely unfair that we haven’t been given the opportunity to submit a proposal. If we had, they would see the Edinburgh Corn Exchange is a far more practical and affordable option than what is currently being suggested.

“We know the public will appreciate a venue that is easier to get to and park at, and it’s a no-brainer that the NHS will appreciate any reduction in costs.”

NHS Lothian have been contacted for comment.

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