EXPANSION

One of Scotland’s bestknown leisure businesses, whose portfolio includes the Edinburgh Corn Exchange has exceeded expected footfall and attracted major new businesses due to a £1 million funding package helping create 20 jobs.

Third-generation family company Marco’s Leisure, which is behind the famous Marco’s Pool Hall & Pizza Bar in Fountainbridge, has also moved into the football sector.

It said it has flourished following the opening of a World of Football centre in Granton last year, with the seven-figure finance from HSBC supporting the site’s development and enabling the firm to create 20 jobs including operational roles such as managers, supervisors, receptionists, cleaners and pitchmaintenance personnel.

Six months after its launch, the facility has extended its customer base, including Hearts captain Christopher Berra and his Box Soccer Training school.

As well as providing local football clubs such as Cramond, Hutchinson Vale

0 MD Paul Demarco says the funding has been a big help to the family firm

PAUL DEMARCO and Spartans with grounds for regular training, Marco’s is also working with Edinburgh College to let its students use the site.

The football facility, on Marine Drive, is the second World of Football centre owned by Marco’s Leisure in Edinburgh, and includes six dome-covered five-a-side pitches, two uncovered outdoor seven-a-side pitches, two uncovered five-a-side pitches, and changing rooms.

Marco’s Leisure also operates a World of Football site on New Market Road. The space, previously an agricultural market, comprises 11 covered football pitches (ten five-aside and one seven-a-side), a 12-lane ten pin bowling facility, a snooker hall plus a bar and coffee shop coupled with the Corn Exchange Complex.

Paul Demarco, managing director at Marco’s Leisure, said: “The financial support received from HSBC has been incredibly helpful, allowing us to achieve our business growth ambitions as a family. World of Football provides

“World of Football provides unique facilities within Edinburgh and we’re thrilled to be establishing a new site at Marine Drive”