The green light has been given to transform a landmark sports pavilion in Edinburgh, the Scotsman has reported.

It is understood £500k will be given to Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools to assist the rejuvenation of a building at Arboretum Road. The decision comes after education leaders approved their bid to take over management of the surrounding playing fields in a 60-year deal. They said the sports clubs and schools would benefit from the new changing and events facilities.

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Jonathan Molloy, bursar at Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools, said: "It’s a tremendous opportunity for us –
a win-win on all sides. The pavilion has just been sitting locked and boarded up, and there have been issues with vandalism and rough sleeping there. This is a great regeneration story."

Under the new leasing arrangement, Erskine Stewart's Melville will take management of the playing fields and pavilion from Edinburgh Leisure, with charges for use pegged at the current council rate. The work will also see a group of temporary cabins, which are hired by the council at a cost of £10,000 per annum, replaced by changing facilities in the pavilion. St Thomas of Aquin’s RC High School, Trinity High School, Inverleith Rugby Club and Holy Cross Cricket Club will all be able to make use of the playing fields.

(JP)