Meadowbank move clears its final hurdles but public trust has fallen
Meadowbank Stadium will have a “fit for purpose” sports centre after councillors approved plans for an overhaul of the iconic former Commonwealth Games arena.
Members of Edinburgh City Council’s development management sub-committee also agreed to grant planning permission in principle for the site around the former stadium to be used for mixed use including housing. A masterplan for the site will be produced in partnership with residents and groups after the authority was forced into an apology over a flawed consultation process.
The council-funded sports centre project will cost around £47 million and construction could start before the end of the year. The committee heard from James Lumsden, vicechairman of Edinburgh City Football Club, who had been based at Meadowbank for 22 years until the stadium shut its doors in December.
The new plans for Meadowbank would see capacity reduced from 8,000 to just 500 as the grandstand is to be demolished – potentially a stumbling block for the club’s ambition to rise through the football league system. But the council said they had assurances from the Scottish Professional Football League that the plans would meet bronze standards – allowing games to be held at Meadowbank.
Officers agreed to look at the capacity needs of Edinburgh City in the future. Councillors Chas Booth and Neil Ross opposed the proposals due to three elm trees having to be removed, as well as claims from residents that there would be a 40 per cent reduction in sports facilities. Council officers said there was “significant new tree planting” as part of the plans.
Councillors heard from Mark Munro from Scottish Athletics, who welcomed the proposals – stating the plans improved athletics facilities.
He said: “Meadowbank is an iconic venue for athletics
“Wehaveawaytogoin regaining the trust of the local community”