Edinburgh Meadowbank Stadium 'finishing line in sight' as arena set to open after five years

Edinburgh’s replacement for the historic Meadowbank Stadium is close to getting off the starting blocks after the facility was given safety approval to open its doors.

The £47m flagship building will open “at the start of the summer holidays,” according to Edinburgh Leisure following a near five-year closure.

Election officials are to use the state-of-the-art venue, which hosted two Commonwealth Games’ in its previous iteration, for the counting of ballots in Scotland’s local council vote later this week.

An official opening date is yet to be confirmed for the multi-sport complex, which features a running track, all-weather pitches, gym and indoor halls.

Edinburgh Leisure CEO, June Peebles, said: “We’re delighted that the finishing line is now in sight for the opening of this new flagship venue.

“The new Meadowbank will undoubtedly pick up where the old Meadowbank left off; providing countless opportunities for generations to come to participate in physical activity and sport.

The new facility boasts a running track and small 500-seat grandstand.

“New sporting memories will be created, and we can’t wait to welcome the people of Edinburgh and beyond, into the new venue.”

The stadium was initially slated to open in 2020, but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic and supply issues surrounding materials required to complete the project.

Tenants Edinburgh City had also hoped to play some of their matches during the cinch League Two campaign at the new 500-seat outdoor stadium, however remained at Ainslie Park for the duration of the season.

Edinburgh Leisure, which manages the stadium as an arm’s length company from City of Edinburgh Council, said the exact opening date would be confirmed in due course.

Council leader Adam McVey added: “It’s great news that this latest milestone has been reached today, which means the new Meadowbank Sports Centre is one step closer to throwing its doors open to the public.

“This glimpse behind-the-scenes shows what we’ve got to look forward to – one of the country’s top community sports centres with some of the most state-of-the-art fitness facilities in the UK.

“We’ve been working closely with Edinburgh Leisure throughout the development of this flagship project to make sure that the centre provides the very best in sport and physical activity, while prioritising participation and accessibility.”