Hibernian have lodged plans for a major expansion of their East Mains training centre, aiming to build a dome-covered synthetic pitch and a new first-team building. The proposals, submitted to East Lothian Council, represent a significant infrastructure investment as the club handles a difficult Premiership season, sitting 10th with just seven points from eight games and a goal difference of minus 5. The team's recent form has seen them take only one point from their last four league matches, adding urgency to the need for improved training facilities.
The club wants to add a full-size indoor pitch housed beneath a dome structure, providing a year-round covered training surface. A new two-storey building would be dedicated primarily to the men's first team, who train at the complex at least four days a week. The planning application details that the development is designed to support the club's on-field ambitions by providing elite-level facilities for preparation and recovery.
What the upgraded facilities will include
The ground floor of the new building would contain a manager's room, coaching staff office, media room, players' lounge, and dining area. It would also feature a gym, a physiotherapy suite with consultation space, a boot room, laundry, kit storage, and changing rooms that will also be used by the under-18s and other youth teams. A mezzanine level would house additional gym space and offices including a board room. The proposed modern recovery and medical areas are a key component, designed to include hydrotherapy pools and a sauna to aid player performance and rehabilitation.
The indoor dome would cover a new artificial pitch positioned north-east of the existing synthetic surface. East Mains currently features five full-size grass pitches, one synthetic pitch, and several specialist training areas, all of which are floodlit and equipped with CCTV for session review. The new dome will ensure training consistency regardless of weather, a factor often cited as key for technical development and match preparation.
How it benefits the club and community
The redevelopment is intended to support player development across the men’s, women’s and academy squads, addressing growing demands on the 20-year-old facility. Planning documents state that although principally for club use, the enhanced facilities will also be available to local football teams, with discussions ongoing about community use. This aligns with the club's commitment to its wider role in the region.
This off-field project comes during a challenging period on the pitch, with the team having lost 1-0 to Dundee United in their last outing. The focus now turns to the next fixtures, starting with a home match against Falkirk, as the squad seeks to improve upon a points tally that sees them just three points above the relegation playoff spot. The club's full squad will look to utilise the proposed modern recovery and medical areas to aid performance during a packed schedule.
The plans follow consultation events held with local residents in Ormiston earlier this year, where the club presented the designs and addressed questions. The application, now with East Lothian Council for consideration, outlines that the project will not increase traffic or operating hours at the site significantly. The club hopes the council will view the plans favourably as an investment in sporting infrastructure that benefits both the professional setup and the local community.
Background and full detail: East Lothian Courier
