Portobello Swim Centre Refurbishment
About the Project
The City of Edinburgh Council, in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, is planning a major refurbishment of Portobello Swim Centre – a much-loved and iconic part of the local community.
As a Category A listed building, it’s important we protect its historic character while modernising the building, growing capacity and improving the customer journey.
Current Status: We are now moving into the next phase of the Portobello Swim Centre refurbishment project. Over summer 2026, the design team will use the feedback received through the consultation to finalise a design for approval. Updated plans will then be shared so customers and the wider community can see how the proposals are developing. In autumn 2026, the project will move through the next stages of approval and contractor appointment.
Quick Overview:
What’s Happening?
A proposed major refurbishment of the Portobello Swim Centre
Why Now?
The building requires significant repair and modernisation in order to protect its heritage and improve the customer experience. Portobello Swim Centre has been in operation for 125 years, we are investing for the next 125 years.
Is Portobello Swim Centre Closed?
No, the centre is open as normal. Any future works will be communicated well in advance.
Consultation Survey Feedback
You said:
- Invest in the building and improve facilities
- Keep changing areas where they are – but make them much better
- Protect light, views and the character of the building
We will:
- Use the strong support for investment to inform the next stage of the project
- Ask the design team to finalise a design for approval, shaped by feedback on changing facilities, accessibility, layout and customer experience
- Ensure the design team considers natural light, sea views and heritage features as part of the next stage
Potential Improvements
The proposals for refurbishment focus on preserving what makes Portobello special, while improving how the building works for today’s needs. Potential improvements include:
- Modern, larger gym and studio space
- Improved customer journey
- Essential structural, mechanical and electrical works
- Protection of pools and Turkish Baths
- New and improved changing facilities
- Improved use of underutilised space
- Introduction of externally accessed toilets (for community use)
Plans For Consideration:
Option A
The below incorporates the main structural changes to the venue layout for this option.
- Gym – Relocated upstairs to an expanded area incorporating existing studio, former café and meeting rooms
- Fitness Studio – Moved downstairs to the current gym location
- Changing Rooms – Remain in their current location
Option B
The below incorporates the main structural changes to the venue layout for this option.
- Gym – Relocated upstairs to an expanded area incorporating existing studio, former café and meeting rooms
- Fitness Studio – Moved to the current changing village location
- Changing Rooms – Moved to the current gym location with the addition of changing cubicles on poolside