Work to replace Edinburgh's Meadowbank Stadium is set to get underway as the venue closes its doors for the final time this weekend.

After operating for nearly 50 years, the building will shut for the last time on Sunday, 03 December.

Demolition work will then start at the site to clear space for a new £41.1 million sports venue, which is due to be operational by 2020.

Features of the new Meadowbank, designed by Holmes Miller Architects, will include;

• An outdoor athletics track with seating for 500

• An indoor 60m six lane athletics track with jumps area

• An outdoor throws area

• A 3G synthetic sports pitch or grass pitch in the centre of the outdoor athletics track for football, rugby and other pitch sports

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• An additional outdoor 3G synthetic sports pitch

• An eight badminton court sports hall with 500 permanent seats plus bleachers (the same size as the current Meadowbank Hall 1)

• A four badminton court sports hall with 500 permanent seats (the same size as the current Meadowbank Hall 2)

• A gymnastics hall, gym, studios, changing facilities, café, meeting rooms.

Cllr Ian Campbell said it was the "end of an era" for Meadowbank.

"The old Meadowbank has been at the heart of sport in Edinburgh for almost half a century," he said.

"It has been used by millions over the decades and I am sure that many people from all around the world who have passed through its doors will treasure memories of great sporting moments created within its walls.

"I am delighted, however, that we can now look forward to bringing ours plans to life to create a new sporting great to be used by people in Edinburgh and beyond for generations to come."

June Peebles, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Leisure, said: "The new venue will undoubtedly pick up where the old Meadowbank left off; it will provide countless opportunities for generations to come to participate in physical activity and sport. New sporting memories will be created."

(LM)