Independent consultants commissioned to scrutinise the planned refurbishment of the Royal Commonwealth Pool (RCP) have awarded the project with one of their highest ever ratings.

The Gateway Review was carried out in accordance with the new procedures for the governance of building construction projects.

The primary purpose of the CEC Gateway Review 3: Investment Decision was to confirm that the project is on a sound footing and ready to proceed to the next stage.

The project to refurbish the Grade A listed RCP has progressed well over recent months. The outcome of the second-stage tendering of the works has been completed on programme and within budget and the pool will close to the general public after trading on Sunday 28 June 2009 for approximately two years.

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The Gateway Review gave the RCP Project an 'Amber Green' rating, the highest level of rating ever given to a project by the Gateway Review Team.

Councillor Deidre Brock, Culture and Sport Convenor, said: "We're delighted to have received such an encouraging Gateway Review for this stage of the RCP Project. Everything is in place now for the refurbishment to get under way in a matter of weeks.

"As well as generating construction sector employment during this difficult economic period, this major investment will fully modernise Edinburgh's RCP whilst reducing both the building's carbon footprint and the environmental impact on the local area."

Cllr Brock said once complete, the centre will provide top quality facilities for the people of Edinburgh as well as playing an integral part in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Edinburgh Leisure will decommission the facility over the month of July before the construction works start on site on 3 August 2009 for approximately two years.

(GK/JM)