Raeburn Place, in the Stockbridge area of Edinburgh, hosted the first rugby international in 1871 and the first Calcutta Cup match in 1879. It is home to Edinburgh Academicals, Scotland鈥檚 oldest rugby club and the second oldest in the world. However, the facilities have not changed much since then.
Plans for the redevelopment include a covered 2,500-seater stand, a new rugby pitch, mini training pitches, changing rooms, a sprint track, purpose-built gym, medical and physiotherapy rooms. A cricket field will be reinstated along with practice nets, a sustainable surface draining system and upgraded floodlighting.
To generate revenue there will be new function suites, a caf茅 bar and retail/commercial units. A Museum of International Rugby will be incorporated, showcasing the heritage of Raeburn Place and its role in the development of rugby.
Work is planned to start on site during the summer of 2016.
David Cairns, regional managing director of Robertson Central, said: 鈥淭his is a complex development with many different elements and it is a challenge we are well equipped to handle thanks to our extensive experience. We will work closely with the Raeburn Place Foundation over the coming months to deliver the design and look forward to starting work on site this summer.鈥
Here's the before and after shot:
And here are the current spectator facilities:
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk