Sport & Exercise

Gyms at the Pleasance to undergo seven figure refurbishment

Over £1 million will be invested in the Cardio and Eric Liddell Gyms this summer.

Renewed. Refreshed. Reimagined. 

The game-changing refurbishment will include a record investment into the renewal of cardio and fixed weight kit and a refresh and reimagining of the gym environment to create an inspirational, sector leading space for our students, staff and wider membership community. 

Renewal of equipment 

The refurbishment will include a significant invested in new, state-of-the-art equipment from Technogym. The five-year partnership, procured through the Public Contract Scotland process, will see Technogym cardio and fixed weight equipment installed at the Pleasance Sport Complex & Gym in early August.

The mix and types of kit installed will be based on user demand and usage patterns in conjunction with industry developments and trends, and the feedback we have received from our members about the type of kit they would like to see available.  

Reimagined spaces 

As well as new equipment there will also be a complete refresh of the gym spaces, with a new design,  new flooring and new lighting to support a better connection between the two spaces. This connection will be cemented by combining both spaces under the one name, the Eric Liddell Gym. 

Celebrating the legacy of Eric Liddell 

We are extraordinarily proud of the University’s association with Eric Liddell, who was our inaugural Sport Hall of Fame inductee in 2008. 

The refurbishment of the new Eric Liddell Gym will coincide with the beginning of a new awareness drive launched by The Eric Liddell Community, the Eric Liddell 100 campaign, a programme of events and activities to recognise and celebrate the life, sporting and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s iconic figures.  

The campaign is a joint venture between The Eric Liddell Community, The University of Edinburgh, Scottish Rugby and many more, all of whom have strong connections to Eric Liddell and wish to secure, develop and celebrate his legacy in the lead up to the centenary of his Olympic success in 2024. As part of the refurbishment new digital signage will allow us to share the Eric Liddell story with current and new members to help preserve and celebrate his legacy.  

Schedule of works 

Stage 1:  Monday 24 to Sunday 30 April 2023

A selection of existing cardio equipment will be moved into MyGym for the duration of the refurbishment.

Stage 2: Monday 1 May to early August 2023

The Cardio Gym will close until the refurbishment works are completed.

Stage 3: Monday 5 June to early August 2023

Eric Liddell Gym will close until the refurbishment is complete. 

We plan to reopen the renewed, refreshed and reimagined space in early August 2023. 

Alternative arrangements 

During the refurbishment, a selection of equipment will be relocated to other areas of the building to mitigate, as much as possible, disruption to members.

  • A selection of Cardio equipment including Treadmills, Cross Trainers and Bikes (recumbent, upright and Techno Bikes) will be moved into MyGym
  • A selection of fixed weights will also be moved into MyGym from Monday 5 June

We will keep members up-to-date with progress, more definitive project timings and updates via our social media channels (@pleasancegym) and member newsletters. 

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