Deep terraces, pale aggregate panels and descending internal volumes form one of Scotland’s outstanding post-war sports buildings.
Quick facts
- Date
- Designed and built 1967–1970; refurbished 2009–2012
- Architect / designer
- Robert Matthew, Johnson-Marshall and Partners; John Richards and Euan Colam; Ove Arup engineers
- Type
- Modernist international competition swimming and diving complex
- Designation
- Listed building, Category A (LB43148)
- OS grid reference
- NT 26814 72414
Architecture and continuing use
The low rectangular mass steps down the site beneath strong horizontal roofs. Concrete structure, dark engineering brick and pale aggregate panels frame the pools, while the interior descends from dry entrance spaces to the diving pit.
Its story
The building opened for the 1970 Commonwealth Games and hosted events again in 1986 and 2014. A major refurbishment renewed services and pool equipment while respecting the principal design.
Why it is included
It is a rare Category A late-modern building where architecture, engineering and elite sport continue to serve everyday public use.
What to notice
- Deep horizontal roof overhangs.
- The progression of volumes down the slope.
- Original timber ceiling panels in public areas.
Reading the surroundings
Edinburgh Leisure publishes timetables, prices and accessibility information. Aquatic sessions can alter daily, so check before travel.
Timeline
- Designed and built 1967–1970 The building opened for the 1970 Commonwealth Games and hosted events again in 1986 and 2014. A major refurbishment renewed services and pool equipment while respecting the principal design.
- Present Active public swimming, diving, fitness and leisure centre.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
Pool configurations and opening hours vary with events and maintenance; the operator’s live timetable is authoritative.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Royal Commonwealth Pool, LB43148 — Designation category, mapped location, construction phases, fabric, authorship and architectural interest.
- Edinburgh Leisure: Royal Commonwealth Pool — Current public operation, facilities, access, address and Commonwealth Games history.
Location
OS grid reference NT 26814 72414 · Location confidence: High: the HES designation supplies a mapped National Grid Reference and a current operator, council, congregation or institutional source confirms the Place relationship and present identity. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
Suggest a marker correction
Suggest a more accurate position
The teal marker is the current published position. The orange marker starts slightly to its right so both remain visible; this is only a visual starting position. Tap the correct place on the map or drag the orange marker. Sending this form creates a private review entry only; it does not move the published marker.
Check this area in Google Maps Choose the Satellite layer there if useful.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors. You can also enter checked coordinates below.