WORK is underway on the redevelopment of an Edinburgh sports ground which hosted the world’s first international rugby match.
Robertson has started work on the Raeburn Place project. The Raeburn Place Foundation, the charity responsible for the site, aims to transform the ground into a modern sports hub. The Stockbridge site is home to Edinburgh Academical FC.
Nine commercial units will be built along with temporary changing facilities and function space. Eight of the nine units have already been let to tenants, including Marks & Spencer, Waterstones and hairdressers Charlie Miller.
The ground will also boast a Museum of International Rugby, showcasing the heritage of the site and its role in the history of the sport, which saw it host the first rugby international in 1871 and the first Calcutta Cup match in 1879.
Robertson carried out enabling works at Raeburn Place in 2017 and has now started construction work. David Cairns, MD of Robertson Central East said, “This is a landmark project for Robertson to be involved with, due to its central location and the importance of the ground in sporting heritage terms. We have been involved in the detailed design stage and are now pleased to be on site and bringing our experience to bear on realising the building.”
David Newlands, chairman of Raeburn Place Foundation added, “This is a momentous day for the trustees and all involved in the project. The development will transform Raeburn Place into a sports hub and community resource, thereby improving lives through sports, which has been our vision from day one. Much hard work has gone into bringing our plans to fruition and to see the preliminary works completed and the building works beginning on site is a wonderful start to 2019 for everyone who has shown their belief in our vision.”
