Plans for a pioneering new sports complex have been unveiled by the University of Edinburgh. Proposals will see the sports village built on the University’s existing facilities at Peffermill Playing Fields.
The plans include a sports centre which has been designed to complement the area’s landscape. The centre will increase sports facilities available to students, and to the wider community, who make up 50 per cent of the bookings at Peffermill.
The proposed village would include a 12-court multi-purpose sports hall, four-court indoor tennis hall, strength and conditioning gym, fitness gym, and social and conference spaces.
The tennis facilities are supported by Tennis Scotland’s Transforming Scottish Indoor Tennis Fund – in recognition of the shortage of easy access to indoor courts in the local area. Basketball, futsal, korfball, netball and volleyball will also be added to the sports available at Peffermill, along with improved facilities for hockey and archery.
Plans for the Peffermill Sports Village include a 573-bed residence on existing University land, which would offer accommodation for students during term time, and for athletes and event attendees during summer months.
The proposals also feature a 2.5km open access exercise route that will border the facility, and an avenue that will commemorate the University’s successful sporting alumni.
The University has a long history of promoting and supporting sport and exercise. Students have the opportunity to get involved in sport at any level, from complete beginners to those representing their country.
The University’s sports facilities across the city are used by numerous teams and members of the public on a daily basis.
Preparatory works are planned to commence at Peffermill in mid-2020, subject to planning permission and final approval by the University Court, with the completion of the project scheduled for the beginning of the academic year in 2023-24.
Jim Aitken, Director of Sport and Exercise at the University, said: “Our plans for Peffermill exemplify the University’s quest to provide accessible sport and physical activity opportunities for our community and the people of Edinburgh.
“The venture will allow the University to consolidate existing relations with local and national sports organisations, create new relationships, increase our sports provision and host a greater number of major events. It will make a transformational difference to our sector-leading sport and fitness offer and we can’t wait for it to happen.”
Blane Dodds, Chief Executive of Tennis Scotland, said: “We are thrilled, along with our partners sportscotland and the Lawn Tennis Association, to be working in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, subject to a successful application process, to provide four fantastic indoor courts for all the community to enjoy as part of an exceptional sports facility.”
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