Tag: Warrender Swim Centre

Warrender Swim Centre reopening date announced

Scotland’s fourth oldest public swimming bath, Warrender Swim Centre, is to reopen its doors to the public Tuesday 23rd May, having undergone a major refurbishment.

June Peebles, Chief Executive at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Edinburgh Leisure, in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, is delighted to be reopening the doors to Warrender Swim Centre, a Victorian pool loved by so many.

“We’d like to thank our customers for their patience during the somewhat longer than expected closure period. However, once inside the venue I’m sure everyone will agree it’s been worth the wait.

“Originally known as Warrender Baths, the venue has been serving the community since 1887 and this major investment will ensure Warrender Swim Centre, as it is now known, will continue to serve the community for many years to come.”

The latest major investment has been about maintaining the balance of Victorian charm and an environmentally efficient 21st century facility and, of course, improving the customer experience.

Significant changes and upgrades to Warrender Swim Centre have taken place including:

  • Maintenance work and repairs to the sandstone structure, windows, roof, and roof structures in keeping with the building’s listing.
  • Decoration throughout, including updating the changing rooms, both wet and dry, and retiling of the poolside.
  • Enclosing the area overlooking the pool and adding air-cooling.
  • New easy access, making it easier for customers to access the building and their activities, with the simple swipe of their membership card or fob.
  • Upgrades to the mechanical and electrical works, including improvements to the ventilation system.
  • New pool plant.
  • New boilers.
  • New lighting.
  • New air handling throughout the building including the gym.
  • Installation of a new sauna.

Stephanie Kelly, Manager at Warrender Swim Centre said: “We’re so excited at the prospect of welcoming customers into our lovely, refurbished swim centre.

“The renovations have taken longer than expected but as anyone who has ever renovated an older property will know, there’s usually something uncovered that requires a change of plan or often additional work, and that’s certainly been the case with Warrender. 

“We know that our loyal and our new customers, and of course, Warrender Swim Club, who have such a long association with the venue, will be delighted with the extensive work that has been carried out. Team Warrender look forward to welcoming back you all back to this iconic, Victorian swimming pool.”

Cllr Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “I’m really looking forward to Warrender Swim Centre reopening its doors, and I’m sure many users are looking forward to once again going for a swim in the beautiful surroundings of the heritage building.

“The major refurbishment has made sure some modern adjustments and improvements have been made whilst keeping the charm of the original Victorian building. I’m delighted that this investment will ensure families can continue to enjoy Warrender Swim Centre for many years to come.”

With a 25-yard pool, sauna, and a gym, Warrender is a Victorian swim centre in the heart of Bruntsfield and Marchmont. This historic venue retains many of its original features, including the original steam room’s roof in the gym, but also has the modern facilities required for an active, healthy life. The gym is in what used to be the Turkish Baths.

Join during the first week of Warrender’s re-opening from 23rd May to pay ‘No Joining Fee’ on your new membership. Additional member benefits can be enjoyed like priority bookings, free gym introduction and discounts on a range of activities. And unlike many other gyms, there is no contract and customers can freeze or cancel their membership at any time.

Edinburgh Leisure has different memberships that are flexible and affordable to fit around individuals/couples. Choose a Gym, Swim or Fitness Class package (not available at Warrender) at your local venue or sign up for Edinburgh Leisure’s most popular Full Fitness membership giving unlimited access to all their venues across the city. 

Warrender Swim Centre
55 Thirlestane Road, Edinburgh EH9 1AP

Ever considered a sporting career? Open Day being held for lifeguards

As the historic Warrender Swim Centre prepares to reopen its doors to the public once again after two years of renovations, Edinburgh Leisure is holding a recruitment open day and is searching for people who are ready to dive into a new opportunity.

The Open Day is being held at the Royal Commonwealth Pool on Monday, 26th September from 11am – 7pm and they are looking for a new team of lifeguards.

Brian King, Manager of Warrender Swim Centre explained: “The open day is a great opportunity for prospective candidates to find out more about a career with Edinburgh Leisure, the role of a lifeguard first hand from our team, and how to apply quickly and easily for the role. You’ll need to be a good swimmer, but we can offer either full or part-time work and great career prospects.”

Prospective candidates attending will be registered on our applicant system and once registered, they’ll undertake a short competency-based interview and need to complete a water test. 

If the interview is successful, appointed candidates would be required to apply for a PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) certificate. Interested candidates should visit the Edinburgh Leisure website or drop into the Royal Commonwealth Pool between 11am – 7 pm on 26th September.

As a charity, Edinburgh Leisure is dedicated to keeping people in Edinburgh active, and over 5 million annual visits are made to their 50 venues, which includes leisure centres, swimming pools, golf courses and the UK’s biggest indoor climbing wall.

But they’re more than their venues.  Each year their Active Communities programme uses the power of physical activity and sport to support over 10,000 people affected by disabilities, health conditions, poverty, and inequalities to improve their health and wellbeing.

Making a positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing is at the heart of what Edinburgh Leisure does and it takes a big team to deliver this ambition with everyone playing their part. 

As an employer, they pride themselves on providing a supportive and enjoyable work environment that their team are proud to be a part of.  They offer a generous rewards package, staff discount scheme and the option to join their Group Personal Pension Fund.

If you have what it takes for a career with Edinburgh Leisure, they will support you with the necessary training and support to have a long and fulfilling career.

For more information:   https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/careers/open-days

Warrender Swim Centre to close for major refurbishment

Iconic Victorian swimming pool to close on Christmas Eve

Another of Edinburgh’s iconic Victorian pools, Warrender Swim Centre, home to the Warrender Baths Club said to be the oldest, most famous and most successful swimming club in Scotland is being temporarily closed for a major refurbishment, from Thursday, 24 December 2020, with a planned reopening in September 2021.

Stephanie Kelly, Leisure Manager at Warrender Swim Centre said: ‘Edinburgh Leisure is unique in having five B-listed Victorian pools in our portfolio but from time to time, these historic venues need some ‘tlc’.

“At 133 years, the investment will future-proof the building so that customers can continue to enjoy its facilities for many years to come, as they have done for previous generations. 

“We will, however, still maintain certain characteristics of  ‘Warrender Baths’ to ensure they keep their charm, which is so loved by the people of Bruntsfield, Marchmont and, indeed Edinburgh.”

With a 25-yard pool, sauna and a 20-station gym, Warrender is a Victorian swim centre in the heart of Bruntsfield and Marchmont. This historic venue retains many of its original features, including the original steam room’s roof in the gym, but also has the modern facilities required for an active, healthy life. The gym is located in what used to be the Turkish Baths.

Similar to the recent refurbishments at Leith Victoria and at Dalry Swim Centre, much of the refurbishment will be behind the scenes and will include:

  • Decoration throughout, including updating the changing rooms, both wet and dry, and retiling of the poolside.
  • Opening up the spectating area and adding air-cooling.
  • Installation of a new sauna.
  • New easy access, making it easier for customers to access the building and their activities, with the simple swipe of their membership card or fob.
  • Maintenance work to the sandstone structure and roof, both in keeping with the building’s listing.
  • Upgrades to the mechanical and electrical works, including improvements to the ventilation system, new lighting and installation of venue draining and a new pool plant, which will ensure the building is more energy efficient.
  • New air handling throughout the building including the gym.

During the refurbishment, customers will have their memberships upgraded to enable them to use any of the 50 + other Edinburgh Leisure venues across the city, so they can continue to keep active during the refurbishment.

Updates at every stage will be posted on Edinburgh Leisure’s social media channels and website during the closure and customers have been informed of the impending renovations.

Warrender Swim Centre
55 Thirlestane Road, Edinburgh EH9 1AP