Edinburgh has been selected to be the location for the new national sport performance centre.

The capital saw off strong competition from both Stirling and Dundee for the honour.

The successful bid by Heriot-Watt University, in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, will host the £30m facility was revealed today by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The new National Performance Centre for Sport will be built in the parkland setting of Heriot-Watt University's extensive campus in the west of the city. It will feature a Hampden replica pitch, an outdoor synthetic pitch, four outdoor natural football and two rugby pitches, nine court sports hall, a 3G indoor football pitch and a fitness suite, and world class facilities for sports science and medicine all linked together by a spectacular sports promenade.

One of the main features, created by top Scottish architects Reiach & Hall, is the centre's roof, which has been inspired by the angle and trajectory of what is recognised as one of the greatest goals in football history, Brazil's Roberto Carlos' strike against France in 1997.


The design has also been developed 'around the athlete', providing world class sporting facilities and services that will have a positive impact on the preparation and development of athletes, coaches and volunteers; while the site's location provides easy access to the city, Edinburgh Airport and the wider surrounding area.

Councillor Richard Lewis, the Council's Sport Convener, said: "This is absolutely fantastic news for Edinburgh and all those who love sport across Scotland. Heriot-Watt University and the capital will provide an excellent home to the next generation of top athletes and those involved in helping them achieve their aims.

"Our bid enjoyed great support from the community and local sport groups will also be able to take advantage of this world-class facility on their doorstep. I'm really looking forward to working with Heriot-Watt as they develop their plans in detail ready for future Olympians and cup-winners in 2016."

Professor Steve Chapman, Principal of Heriot-Watt University, added: "This is tremendous news, for the bid team and, I believe, for the future of performance sport in Scotland.

"We have the go-ahead to create a world class sporting facility, combining the expertise we already have at Heriot-Watt, with a tremendous location, design and setting which have proved a winning formula and will continue to do so for Scotland's up and coming sports men and women."

(JP/CD)