Construction work on the £5 million repair and refurbishment project at the Loch Centre in Tranent is scheduled to commence in June 2026.

East Lothian Council has announced the anticipated start date for the significant upgrade to the well-used community facility.

Under the current timetable, the extensive building works at the Loch Centre are projected to take one year, with completion expected in June 2027. Funding for the comprehensive renovation is being drawn from East Lothian Council's capital budget, with the overall project being delivered across a three-year period.

The council has already undertaken enabling works during 2024/25, focusing on essential heating and other service infrastructure within the centre. The current year, 2025/26, is concentrating on the detailed design phase and the procurement process. The tendering process to appoint a contractor to carry out the main building works is anticipated to conclude in December of this year.

Following a thorough review of the project requirements, the council has determined that the safest and most cost-effective method for executing the essential repairs and upgrades, which constitute the final phase of the project, is to temporarily close the Loch Centre between June 2026 and June 2027. Once the building works are complete, Tranent will benefit from a revitalised and modernised facility designed to meet the community's needs for the future.

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Councillor Colin McGinn, the council's Cabinet Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing and Sport, Countryside and Leisure, acknowledged the disruption but emphasised the long-term benefits: "We are glad that a date has been planned for the repair and refurbishment work to commence and we are thankful to Loch Centre users for their continuing patience throughout this difficult period. This has been a hugely challenging and complex project given the age and condition of a building which is more than 50 years old. The decision to close the centre for the duration of the works was not taken lightly, and we apologise to the customers and groups who will be affected. The council remains committed to delivering a revitalised and modernised Loch Centre of the highest standard for the whole community."

Bill Axon, chief executive of Enjoy Leisure, the facility operator, also commented on the upcoming building works: "Built in 1970, the Loch Centre has served the community for over 50 years. To ensure it remains a modern and functional facility, essential maintenance and upgrades are required. We're excited to be working towards the opening of the upgraded facility opening in 2027.

"During this period, we will work closely with our partners at East Lothian Council and provide support wherever possible. We appreciate that the temporary closure of the Loch Centre will impact the Tranent community, and we're committed to minimise disruption. Our management plan will aim to accommodate all of our clubs, classes, and all other activities at our other facilities in East Lothian. We will keep our colleagues, customers, and members up to date as these plans are finalised. I am also delighted that we now have a timescale for these works and, barring any unforeseen obstacles, the upgrading and developments will be complete within 12 months period, especially as we anticipated it may be longer.

"This clarity provides Enjoy Leisure with an opportunity to implement a strategy which will benefit both customers and colleagues alike by minimising disruption as best we can. Importantly, no jobs will be at risk during the closure. The full team at the Loch Centre will all be offered opportunities at an alternative Enjoy Leisure site."