A reopening date of Wednesday, 30 January 2019, has been confirmed by Edinburgh Leisure for the reopening of Edinburgh Leisure’s iconic Victorian pool at Dalry, which has been undergoing some major renovations.

Dalry Swim Centre closed on 13 July 2018, with a planned reopening of early December 2018, but this date was pushed back, due to identifying an issue with the replacement of the beautiful bespoke glass roof panels, which required scaffolding in the pool hall to undertake the work, ultimately pushing back the completion date.

Wendy Avinou, Leisure Manager at Dalry Swim Centre said: “We’re sorry that the renovations have taken longer than expected and know that some customers have been frustrated at the delays but as anyone who has ever renovated an older property will know, there’s usually something uncovered that requires a change of plan and a different approach to work and this, unfortunately, was the case with Dalry.

“However, when it opens again on 30 January, we’re certain our customers will be delighted with the extensive work that has been carried out on this iconic and beautiful Victorian building, to ensure it is fit for purpose for many years to come.”

Edinburgh Leisure’s pool contractors will be on site week commencing 21 January, when the pumps will be commissioned, and the water circulated. Microbiological and dye testing will then be completed after this. Once this is complete, the pool can then be chlorinated, and technical training will be undertaken with the facilities management team.

Significant changes and upgrades to Dalry Swim Centre have taken place and include:

• A mechanical and electrical upgrade including wiring and a new ventilation system, which will make the building more energy efficient;
• A self-service kiosk and access facilities to make it quicker and easier for customers to enter the building and enjoy their activities, thus avoiding queues;
• The installation of new toilets’ and changing facilities, including disabled and family provisions;
• New tiling, flooring and cosmetic upgrade throughout the building.

During the refurbishment, Dalry-only members were upgraded giving them access to Edinburgh Leisure’s other venues to ensure they could continue to keep active and healthy at the biggest club in town.

An Edinburgh Leisure spokesperson confirmed:  “We will be communicating with all our customers to inform them of the reopening date and posting on social media, along with some handy tips for our customers, now that we have installed a self-service kiosk and access facilities to make it quicker and easier for customers to enter the building and enjoy their activities, thus avoiding queues.  We look forward to welcoming everyone back.”

A hidden gem in the west city centre, Dalry Swim Centre is located on Caledonian Crescent, just off Dalry and around a five-minute walk from Haymarket Station. This beautifully presented Victorian bath has a real community feel, with a traditional 25-yard swimming pool bathed in natural light, one sauna, and a compact but fully functional gym.

Dalry Swim Centre is just one of five Victorian pools that Edinburgh Leisure has in their portfolio.   The others are located at: Warrender, Glenogle, Portobello, and Leith Victoria Swim Centre, as well as the Royal Commonwealth Pool, which is a listed building.

Whilst they have succeeded in keeping the character of the ‘Baths’, they have added modern twists to them so whilst they have kept their charm, they are able to meet the demands of a modern leisure /fitness customer, which includes modern heating, upgraded changing facilities and meets the environment’s demands where energy recovery is essential.

Dalry Swim Centre
25-29 Caledonian Crescent, Edinburgh EH11 2AL Tel: 0131 313 3964
For more information:   www.edinburghleisure.co.uk