Fire-hit sport pavilion to be replaced

A FIRE-HIT sports pavilion that has been derelict for almost a decade is set to be replaced with state-of-the-art changing facilities at no cost to the taxpayer after a landmark deal was approved.

The move would see city-owned Arboretum Playing Fields leased out to Stewart’s Melville College under an agreement in which the private school would gain more pitches for football and rugby training in return for new shower and changing facilities that could be worth around £750,000.

The deal, which got the go-ahead at the Education, Children and Families Committee, has been described as a “win-win” scenario for both parties, as well as St Thomas of Aquin’s RC High School, Trinity High School, Inverleith Rugby Club and Holy Cross Cricket Club, which all use the fields.

The pavilion would double the number of changing and shower rooms to four, with the lease given to Stewart’s Melville expected to exceed ten years.

Provisional terms and conditions will be reported to the Finance and Resources Committee for approval.