SPORTS pitches and pavilions across Edinburgh are set to benefit from a £600,000 cash injection towards maintenance, new grounds equipment and sporting equipment.
A sum of £725,000 for additional revenue investment in pitches, pavilions, play areas and allotments was approved by the City of Edinburgh Council on 9 February 2012. This sum was split into £600,000 for pitches and pavilions and £125,000 for play areas and allotments.
Following a meeting of the South East Sports Facilities Project Group (SESFP) on 16 March, a decision was taken to propose to the Culture and Leisure Committee the following division of the £600,000:
- £360,000 for pavilion improvement works. Approximately 20 properties across Edinburgh would benefit from essential health and safety work, heating and lighting improvements and internal and external upgrades
- £70,000 to purchase new grounds maintenance equipment that would enable the Council to improve the quality of pitches across the city. A further £45,000 would be used for additional pitch improvement work
- £125,000 to be split between football, rugby and cricket to purchase portable goal posts, practice nets, portable floodlighting, pitch fencing, storage containers and other equipment for clubs across Edinburgh
Stephanie-Anne Harris, Strategic Development Manager (Sport, Leisure and Physical Activity), said: “This investment will have a positive impact on outdoor sport right across Edinburgh, increasing the life of facilities and creating opportunities for clubs to pool equipment. It’s crucial that we channel funds appropriately and for the greatest overall benefit.”
One of the clubs who will reap the rewards of this new investment is Edinburgh United, whose pavilion in Colinton will be fitted with new showers and refurbished toilets.
Barry Campbell, Head Coach of Edinburgh United 21s, said: ”
Edinburgh United are delighted to hear the news that one of the City’s Premier Sports facilities has been recognised for an upgrade. Edinburgh United Youth, established in 2003 are proud to be tenants of Paties Road along with our Juniors who were founded in 1985. Our excellent relationship with Edinburgh Leisure, the City of Edinburgh Council and our continued involvement in the Colinton Community Hub gives the us the opportunity to further develop Edinburgh United.”
David Drummond, the Scottish FA’s south east regional manager, said: “I’d like to thank the City of Edinburgh Council for making this funding available. We welcome the inclusion of the national governing bodies into the consultation process. From a football perspective, this investment will help the game grow by creating more opportunities for young people to play the game in Edinburgh.”
