Basic Site Details Name: | Edinburgh Sports Club | City or county: | Edinburgh | Country: | Scotland | Parish: | | Status: | | Grid ref: | | Notes: | The original design, of 1936, with only 3 squash courts, had elevations similar to Gribloch, but this appears to have been simplified as a cost expedient. The amended design resulted in 5 squash courts, and less detailing, in 1937.
In 1966, two further racquet courts were added to the SW and social facilities on the E. These reinforced concrete structures were by M J Slater. There were further alterations to enhance social facilities on the E, in 1977, and subsequent alterations to these and an upgrading of the changing rooms etc. in 1987. A single-storey extension to the W provided a small gymnasium, in the 1990s.
The building has been well maintained and the essence of the 1930s character is intact in the building’s core i.e. the first 5 squash courts and the concrete floors and stairs.
| Building Type ClassificationThe building is classified under the following categories: | | Classification | Original classification? | Notes | | Squash Court | | | | Sports centre | | | | Club | | |
Street AddressesThe following street addresses are associated with this building: | | Address | Main entrance? | Notes | | 7, Belford Place | | |
EventsThe following date-based events are associated with this building: | | From | To | Event type | Notes | | 1936 | 1937 | Build/construction | Original design - amended design the following year. | | 1966 | | Addition | Two further courts and social facilities to E | | 1977 | | Addition | Further alterations to social facilities | | 1987 | | Alterations and additions | Changing room facilities improved | | 1990s | | Addition | Gymnasium added - single storey extension |
PeopleDesign and ConstructionThe following individuals or organisations have carried out design/construction work. Where architects or practices worked together, matching letters appear beside their names in the Partnership Group column. | | Name | Role | Partnership Group | From | To | Notes | | (Sir) Basil Urwin Spence | | A | 1936 | | Original design - amended design the following year. | | (Sir) William Hardie Kininmonth | | A | 1936 | | Original design - amended design the following year. | | Arthur Forman Balfour Paul | | A | 1936 | | May not have been involved. Original design - amended design the following year. | | Rowand Anderson, Paul & Partners | | A | 1936 | 1937 | Original design - amended design the following year. | | Martin Johns Slater | | A | 1966 | | Addition of two further courts and social facilities to E |
ClientsThe following individuals or organisations have commissioned work on this building/design: | | Name | Notes | | King, Dr John B | King was a partner of Kininmonth's brother. He owned the site and for whom Kininmonth & Spence built an early Modernist house, Lismhor at Easter Belmont Road. |
ReferencesArchive ReferencesThe following archives hold material relating to this building: | | Source | Archive name | Source catalogue no. | Notes | | Clive Fenton | HS Spence Thematic Survey | | 2009 | | Edinburgh City Archives | Edinburgh Dean of Guild | | 28/2/36, 13/3/36, 25/12/36, 6/4/62, 19/3/65, 22/7/66, 23/7/76, 26/8/77, 25/5/87) |
|