THE massive £37 million refurbishment of the Royal Commonwealth Pool got the final go-ahead today after the city council secured a vital funding boost.
The Evening News understands that sportscotland has agreed to put £5m towards the project, to ensure the centre can host the diving competition for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The News can also reveal detailed plans of the revamp for the first time, which include the introduction of "moving floors" in all the pools to adjust the depth.
The main 50-metre swimming pool will be extended by 1.5m, and will have a special boom so that it can be split into two 25m pools – allowing different activities to take place at the same time.
The overhauled diving area will have four platforms up to 10m high, plus two temporary springboards, and a "dry dive" training area for competitors, with trampolines and harnesses to let them practice twists and turns.
The depth of the 25m long diving pool can also be adjusted and made shallower from a maximum of 5m down to zero, and includes six swimming lanes, meaning it can be used for other sporting purposes.
The project also includes a changing "village" with better family facilities, a brand new dry play area for children, poolside showers, heated benches next to pools, and a revamped café. The crèche – controversially closed in recent weeks – will re-open when the overhaul is completed.
The building (RCP), which is A-listed, will close next June and work will take around two years.
City sports leader Deidre Brock said today: "This is an important stage in the development of the Royal Commonwealth Pool.
"Once complete, the centre will provide modern facilities for the people of Edinburgh as well as playing an integral part in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
"We have provided comprehensive project plans to sportscotland and they have informed us that they are happy with our approach. Once we receive official confirmation of their funding we will move quickly to start the development."
The shell of the building cannot be changed, but a new roof and ceiling will be added, while all the pools will be re-dug, with a revamped 900-seat spectator area.
Although the main pool can be split in two when required, there will still be a 25m pool for children, with the option of inflatable play equipment. This will also be used as a training pool during competition times.
Away from the pool area, there will be three dance studios and a new gym, however the sauna will be lost. It is understood that Edinburgh Leisure, which runs the RCP for the council, was hoping to include a spa or hydrotherapy pool, but this has not proved possible.
Edinburgh Leisure chief executive Keith Jackson said today: "The level of investment being committed by the council to swimming in Edinburgh is fantastic."
The News understands that verbal agreement for the £5m sportscotland grant has been reached, but the Government still needs to provide official notice.
Councillors set aside £15m in this year's budget for the RCP, and will make up the remainder mainly through the sales of City Park and Leith Waterworld.
However, "unexpected defects and problems" could push the price tag up. There is also currently a £3.5m funding gap, partly due to the credit crunch, which the council will need to fill.
