Hotel and restaurants mooted for Meadowbank Stadium overhaul

A NEW hotel and shops are included in plans to redevelop Meadowbank Stadium, it can be revealed.

But plans submitted yesterday also include controversial houses on land next to the new stadium.

“The submission is a significant step towards the delivery of a brand new Meadowbank development fit for the 21st century,” Councillor Ian Campbell, the council’s vice convener of culture and communities, said.

“Investing in Meadowbank is an investment in our city’s sporting infrastructure and will provide the city with fantastic new facilities.

“The development will also help to regenerate the local area and provide much-needed new homes.

“I’m sure many people in Edinburgh will be excited to see the project reach this stage, and to view and feedback on the proposals.”

As well as helping pay for the new sports centre, housing is seen by the council as contributing to its commitment to build 20,000 affordable homes within ten years.

But neighbours of the site have already hit out at the plans during the initial consultation, claiming the land would be better used for more sports facilities.

Also included in the plans is student accommodation, a community garden and restaurants together with shops and the hotel.

Work also means the potential reopening of Clockmill Road to walkers and cyclists between Restalrig, London Road and Holyrood Park – a popular move with locals.

The existing Meadowbank Stadium was built for the 1970 Commonwealth Games and closed in December.

Demolition is earmarked to start this spring with work on the new sports centre starting in the autumn – if given the go ahead.

Scheduled to open in the summer of 2020, the new sports centre will boast an outdoor athletics track with a 500-seat stand.

A 60m six-lane indoor athletics track and jumps’ space, outdoor throws area, two FIFA standard all weather 3G pitches, and a boxing gym with permanent ring are also included.

Other facilities include office space for Edinburgh Leisure’s headquarters, a café, games halls and courts, plus fitness studios and a gym.

Proposals are available to view on the council’s website with comments accepted until 23 February.

Members of the council’s development management sub-committee will then consider the plans at their 15 May meeting.

June Peebles, chief executive of Edinburgh Leisure, said: “A huge amount of work, involving many interested parties, has taken place on the design and layout of the new Meadowbank to get us to this stage.

“The submission of the planning applications and the prospect of a brand new Meadowbank in 2020 is a hugely exciting one.

“The new venue will undoubtedly pick up where the old Meadowbank left off, providing countless opportunities for future generations to participate in physical activity and sport.”