Bold new design aims to make Meadowbank '˜fit for the 21st century'

An artist's impression of the new stadium. Picture: contributed

Artist’s impressions show a striking, gold-coloured building taking the place of the current stadium, which was originally built for Edinburgh’s 1970 Commonwealth Games.

Bosses said the new facility would include an outdoor athletics track with a 500-seat stand, along with two multi-sport games halls and three fitness studios.

A gym, gymnastics hall, two squash courts, combat studio for martial arts, boxing gym, 60m athletics track, outdoor throwing area and two 3G pitches will also be delivered if the scheme gets the go-ahead.

The current Meadowbank stadium. Picture: DAVID MOIR

Councillor Richard Lewis, the city’s culture and sport leader, said: “We want the new Meadowbank Stadium and Sports Centre to be a venue fit for the 21st century and the public’s views on our proposals are key to this.

“Transforming Meadowbank into a brand new sports complex would provide a modern, fully accessible high quality sports centre for sports clubs and the local community.”

The new centre will be partly funded by residential and commercial development – including affordable housing – on unused parts of the existing site.

Council chiefs said a planning application will be submitted early next year, with the public now asked to give their views via an online survey.

Two public information events will be held at Meadowbank Sports Centre on Thursday, November 17 and Tuesday, November 22, between 3pm and 8pm.

Cllr Lewis added: “I would urge everyone to tell us what they think about the range of facilities being proposed and the masterplan.

“The public can either take part in our online survey or come along to one of our two public information events.

“Not only would we see a new Meadowbank but more homes would be built to meet the city’s housing needs. The new venue will also bring health and wellbeing benefits across the city by supporting even more people to become and stay active.”