The timetable has been drawn up following the appointment of Algo Construction Scotland as the contractor to carry out the improvements. 

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.

The start of the main works in early October will require the centre to be closed for a year. Following a comprehensive review, it was previously determined that a year-long closure for the final phase of the project was the safest and most economical way to undertake the essential repairs.

Extensive work has already been completed on heating systems and other services at the centre which constituted the project’s first phase.

Funding for the renovation has come from East Lothian Council’s capital budget.

Councillor Colin McGinn, the council’s cabinet spokesperson for Community Wellbeing and Sport, Countryside and Leisure, said: “I’m pleased the procurement process has been completed successfully, and a contractor has been appointed for the main refurbishment works.

“Given the age and condition of a building which is now 56-years-old, this has been an immensely challenging and complex project.

“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.

“As planned, the centre will close for a year to allow these works to take place. We greatly appreciate the patience and understanding of its staff and customers while the council delivers a modernised Loch Centre which is fit for the future.”
Heart of the community

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.

“At Enjoy Leisure we’re very aware of the importance of these works, as we recognise that the Loch Centre is not just a venue for sport and leisure exercise, it’s the beating heart of the community. By serving as a central hub for social connection, wellbeing, inclusive programming and civic engagement, the centre has evolved into the Fa’side communities primary anchor point for public life. It’s an indispensable pillar of local infrastructure that advances unity, wellbeing and a shared sense of belonging for all residents.

“As part of our preparations for the temporary closure, we’ve been working to accommodate our clubs, classes and other activities across our other Enjoy Leisure venues wherever possible.

“We also want to provide our colleagues and our community with a clear and firm assurance regarding the Loch Centre team’s future. We’re fully committed to protecting the livelihoods of our dedicated workforce throughout the refurbishment; therefore, we guarantee there will be no enforced job losses resulting from the temporary closure. 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.

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