COLIN URGES COUNCIL TO RECONSIDER LEISURE CENTRE DEMOLITION

The building at King George V Park, Bonnyrigg Leisure Centre, has been the subject to interest from local groups proposing to rent it from the council. Yet, to the shock of the community, the council has proposed the Centre be demolished. 

Proposals from the Bonnyrigg Centre Trust and Midlothian Fitness Academy include plans to reopen the Centre as a community hub, play facilities and/or sports facilities. Both bids are options much closer to what the community is saying it needs than the council’s for demolition. 

A final decision will be made by the Full Council at a meeting in Dalkeith next Tuesday. Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North, reacting to the news said:

“It would be a great loss for Midlothian if the Bonnyrigg Leisure Centre were to be demolished. This is an opportunity to empower people of Midlothian. I urge the council to take this chance to collaborate with the community for a working solution. 

The tens of thousands of pounds earmarked to reduce a great building to rubble could be used to team up with the community to make sure this plan is successful. Constituents have asked for further considerations concerning the community to be discussed before demolition of the Centre. I hope the Council works with the Midlothian community to find a solution.”