Loch Centre to close for a year from October for repairs

After lengthy discussions with potential contractors, Algo Construction Scotland has now been appointed to carry out the works.

The Tranent facility’s swimming pool has been closed since 2023 due to a fault in the roof, while the rest remained open to the public.

The improvement project was delayed by a few months after it was originally planned to take place from June this year.

Funding totalling £5 million was announced in East Lothian Council’s budget the same year and remains secured.

It was decided that a year-long closure would be the “safest and most economical way” to undertake the essential repairs.

Advance works are due to start at the end of August and be completed by the end of September, with the centre remaining open during this period, but the entirety of the centre will close in early October.

During the temporary closure, there will be no enforced job losses and all staff will be redeployed across Enjoy Leisure facilities throughout the county.

Where possible, clubs, classes and activities will also be accommodated elsewhere.

Councillor Colin McGinn, the council’s cabinet spokesperson for community wellbeing and sport, countryside and leisure, said: “I was one of many young people who queued up the first week the centre opened with my towel under my arm waiting on a swim and I know what the centre means for our community.

“Our determination to ensure these works were scheduled was never in doubt and I am grateful for the support of officers and colleagues to see it programmed.”

The centre was built in 1970 and is home to one of East Lothian’s most popular swimming pools; its age and condition has meant it has been an “immensely challenging and complex project”.

Bill Axon, chief executive of Enjoy Leisure, said: “The Loch Centre in Tranent is a well-loved facility, so it’s brilliant that we’re now nearing the start of the main refurbishment.

“These essential works will modernise the Loch Centre and help ensure we can continue to meet the needs of local communities and visitors for many years to come.

“We know how much the Loch Centre means to our members and customers, and we’ll keep them updated throughout the project.

"We've developed a comprehensive plan to redeploy our team members across our other facilities, ensuring they remain supported and fully integrated into our operations while we transform your centre into a venue for the future."