The City of Edinburgh Council has released a report on how best to fund the proposed £37.1m refurbishment of the Royal Commonwealth Pool (RCP) in the capital city.

The publication recommends that the council gives officials the go-ahead to consider the sale of some land at the site to generate more funds for the revamp and expansion of facilities.

City council director of corporate services Jim Inch said: “We are recommending that councillors give us the go ahead to proceed with the RCP project as a priority.

“The sale of valuable land would deliver the RCP project and also provide some funds to initiate a phased approach to the delivery of improved facilities at Meadowbank.”

Recommendations will be considered at a meeting of the full council on the 20 December, leading to the presentation of a revised report being put forward to councillors in spring 2008.

The proposals include a 50m, eight-lane swimming pool for specialist training and a 25m swimming pool with a moving floor to accommodate ‘warm up pool’ provision, swimming lessons and informal play, as well as a spa facility.

Dry areas would comprise new soft play facilities; a refurbished and expanded gym and three fitness studios; a new changing village; a multi-function area, including meeting and conference rooms and a ‘youth zone’; and a ‘dry-dive’ facility offering trampolines, diving boards and a special harness system.

The facility would close in late 2008 and re-open towards the end of 2010.