On Tuesday, the Council's Corporate Policy and Strategy Committee agreed to refer a report on the future of the venue to the Council's budget meeting next month. It is understood members will be asked to support the funding of £100,000 to carry out a ground survey to better understand the conditions of the existing Meadowbank site, and to prepare a development brief.
Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture and Sport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, explained: "While further work is still required on possible funding solutions, today's decision means a brand new Meadowbank with facilities fit for the 21st Century remains a real possibility.
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"The decision on whether or not the venue will be rebuilt is subject to addressing the funding shortfall of £11.3m - £19.8m, but members have agreed to consider the future of the venue as part of the Council's wider Budget discussion in four weeks time, and to also look into all funding options before a final decision is made.
"If the Council decides not to proceed, options for a planned withdrawal of service at Meadowbank over the forthcoming five years will need to be looked at."
If funding was to be approved for the sports facility, it would consist of an outdoor athletics track with seating for 500 spectators, an indoor 60m six-lane athletics track with jumps area, an outdoor throws area, a 3G synthetic sports pitch or grass pitch in the centre of the outdoor athletics track for football, rugby and other pitch sports and an additional outdoor 3G synthetic sports pitch. There would also be an eight badminton court sports hall with 500 permanent seats plus bleachers, a four badminton court sports hall with 500 permanent seats, a gymnastics hall, gym, studios, changing facilities, meeting rooms and a café.
(JP/MH)
