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Fit For Purpose

Project Introduction

In 2015, the Governing Council adopted a development strategy for the school campus based on the Campus Masterplan devised by the architect Gareth Hoskins. The John Martin Building and related developments in the Lower Primary were the first phase of the strategy. 

Events since 2015 have made us reassess our priorities within the broad framework of the Campus Masterplan. In particular, in the current financial climate there is a need to develop projects which are capable of improving the facilities available to pupils whilst being broadly cost neutral in the medium term. We are also very aware of the need to ensure that our facilities cater equally for all our pupils and enhance our capacity to work with the Watsonian community and other partners.

We are therefore delighted to give a preview of our new strategy document which sets out a clear new vision for sport and active leisure at Watson’s and provides a blueprint for the development of our outdoor sport facilities over the next few years. 

Public Consultation

We are seeking the views of the public on our proposals for the installation of three artificial grass pitches, associated floodlighting, fencing, areas of hardstanding and infrastructure, the formation of pick up/drop off area, associated parking provision and access arrangements, at the playing fields located to the west of the campus at Myreside Road. 

Campus development boundary

We welcome your views. Feedback can be provided by emailing campus-developments@gwc.org.uk (please note these are not representations to City of Edinburgh Council. An opportunity to make representations to the Council will exist when a formal planning application is made).

Thank you to those that were able to attend our Public Consultation Exhibitions held on Wednesday 31 May and Thursday 15 June. You can also review the proposals below. 

Themes of Feedback from Event 1&2 & Responses

Theme 1 - Environmental Impact of Replacement of Grass with Artificial Surfaces 

  • The proposal includes a number of soft landscaping elements which can be developed to include wildflower meadows, flowering shrubs & berries to offset the removal of the grass and create a more diverse habitat. 

  • Installation of nesting boxes where possible within these spaces. 

  • Due to the number of pupils wishing to play hockey, we currently require buses to get pupils to both Peffermill and other facilities around Edinburgh which has an impact on the schools’ carbon footprint.

  • With regards to the plastic / rubber crumb used in the 3G rugby / football pitch, our sports consultant, along with the wider industry, is working on a sustainable and recyclable alternative which we hope will be on the market in time for this installation. 

Theme 2 - Light Pollution from Floodlights

  • A lighting design by a contractor was produced to minimise any spill from the lights onto the surrounding area and onto nearby housing. This design was passed to a consultant who carried out a Lighting Impact Assessment and their conclusion that the spill of light was minimal. 

  • The LED technology available now, allows highly directional lighting columns to be installed which greatly reduces glare and overspill to the surrounding area. 

  • The proposal has been designed to have as little lighting as possible and it will only be in use if the pitches are in use in the darker months. 

Theme 3 - Noise 

  • GWC recognises that the proposed development has the potential to generate noise and impacts associated to that e.g. upon neighbouring residential properties.

  • We have engaged with an appropriate acoustic specialist and a Noise Impact Assessment has been undertaken and will be submitted in support of any application for consideration by City of Edinburgh Council Environmental Protection Officers.

  • Such an assessment will consider existing noise levels affecting surrounding properties due to nearby noise sources (traffic, school etc) before measuring proposed noise levels to take account of the proposed development.

Theme 4 - PUDO Proposal 

  • The creation of the pick-up/drop-off area (PUDO) with associated parking provision is designed to elevate the congestion on Myreside Road during PUDO times and also act as a car park for the new facilities to remove the need for cars to park on Myreside Road. 

  • Our current Travel Plan forms part of our wider consideration on sustainability and seeks to support and encourage our school community to use other modes of transport to help reduce the numbers of cars seeking to access the school campus.

  • We are working closely with Edinburgh Council to try to encourage additional bus routes along Colinton Road to deliver alternatives to using the car.

  • GWC has engaged with a Transport Consultant and their specialist advice has informed the proposals. 

Theme 5 - Increased Usage of Craiglockhart & Movement of Cricket

  • We would emphasise that our proposals to create a ‘Cricket Centre’ at Craiglockhart include a variety of enhancement measures including repositioning the main square to allow for an international standard wicket in front of the pavilion, and associated upgrades to the pavilion itself.

  • Craiglockhart provides a natural amphitheatre for cricket with a fantastic backdrop and a traditional pavilion. 

  • The proposal is also being supported by senior members of the WCC. 

  • Regarding usage of the ground after the works are complete, we see an increase in cricket usage but overall not an increased usage due to the new size of the wicket meaning only one game (at a higher level) could be played at the same time. 

Theme 6 - Loss of Green space for use by Pupils and Clubs

  • The new artificial surfaces will be used by the school primarily, for school learning and sports activities and any after school clubs wishing to use them. The hockey pitches will be open to be used as a play space during the day and for multisport after the school day ends. 

Update Friday 17 November 2023

The development's Planning Pre-Application has been submitted and we are awaiting the appointment of a Planning Officer to enter into discussions on the application. On the completion of these discussions, the Planning Application will be submitted.