Portobello Swim Centre is set for refurbishment following overwhelming support from the public
Portobello Swim Centre is about to undergo refurbishment after 91 per cent of the public support investment
Edinburgh Leisure has has finally set out it’s next steps for the refurbishment process of Portobello Swim Centre following an overwhelming amount of support for investment.
A consultation was carried out independently between May and June of 2026, and gathered views from customers, user groups and local residents in which 91 per cent of respondents support investment in the centre, while 95 per cent recognise it as an important asset.
Edinburgh Leisure and the City of Edinburgh Council have taken this feedback on board and will now progress into the next stage of it’s design development. The design team will use these findings to finalise a design for approval, with a main focus of improving facilities while protecting the character, heritage and community value of the iconic building.
Claire Rusack, operations director at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “We would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation and shared their views. The message from the community was clear – people strongly support investment in Portobello Swim Centre, but they also want to protect the features that make it such a special place.
“Portobello Swim Centre is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic leisure facilities and this investment will help safeguard its future, ensuring it continues to support active, healthy communities for many years to come .”
Edinburgh Leisure has also committed to providing regular updates throughout the project, with 95% of consultation respondents stating that they would like to be kept informed as plans progress.
The consultation highlighted that more than 80% of customers said that the temporary closure of the centre would affect them directly, in which Edinburgh Leisure have responded with a support customer plan to ensure alternative facilities remain available. This includes flexible membership options to minimise disruption and swimming lesson arrangements.
Subject to final approvals, the next steps will include finalising a designing for approval and securing the necessary consents, appointing contactors and confirming timelines for refurbishments works.
A spokesperson for Edinburgh City Council said: “Portobello Swim Centre is an important part of Edinburgh’s sporting and cultural heritage, and we welcome the high level of public interest in shaping its future.
“The consultation has provided clear and valuable feedback which will help inform the next stage of design development. We’re committed to working closely with our partners and the local community to breathe new life into this much-loved landmark space in a way that protects the building’s historic character while creating modern, high-quality facilities for future generations.”