Meadowbank’s race is run …
After a run of almost 50 years, Edinburgh’s Meadowbank Stadium is almost at the finishing line as preparations are put in place to shut its doors this Sunday for the last time.
The closure of the flagship venue marks the end of an era and the start of a new one as the building will now be decommissioned to make way for a new state-of-the-art sports centre for people in Edinburgh and beyond to enjoy for decades to come.
Meadowbank was built for the 1970 Commonwealth Games and has been used by various clubs and sporting celebrities over the decades, which has prompted nostalgia among the sporting community as the current premises reaches the end of its life.
Councillor Ian Campbell, Vice Convener of Culture and Communities for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “It is the end of an era for Meadowbank and the start of a major redevelopment to support physical activity, health and wellbeing in Edinburgh.
“The old Meadowbank has been at the heart of sport in Edinburgh for almost half a century. It has been used by millions over the decades and I am sure that many people from all around the world who have passed through its doors will treasure memories of great sporting moments created within its walls. I am delighted, however, that we can now look forward to bringing ours plans to life to create a new sporting great to be used by people in Edinburgh and beyond for generations to come.”
June Peebles, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Leisure, said: “It is with mixed emotions that we say goodbye to Meadowbank – a venue that has served Edinburgh well since it’s opening in 1970. It will be strange closing the doors on a building that, for so long, has played a central role in developing and supporting participation in a variety of sports and physical activity. So many sporting memories for so many people.
“However, the prospect of a new Meadowbank in 2020 does counteract our sadness. The new venue will undoubtedly pick up where the old Meadowbank left off; it will provide countless opportunities for generations to come to participate in physical activity and sport. New sporting memories will be created.
“In the meantime, we hope Edinburgh Leisure will continue to inspire individuals to get active and healthy at the biggest club in town.”
Architect designs the new Meadowbank were released in September revealing the planned look and feel for the new Meadowbank, which is due to be operational by 2020. View them here.
Further information will be made available prior to the submission of a planning application in the next couple of months, featuring a masterplan for the wider site development. Officers are continuing to work with Edinburgh Leisure to assist clubs and groups to find alternative sport facilities following the closure.
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