Facilities

Quick answer to common questions about Oriam.

ASK US ANYTHING! 

Check out our Facility FAQs for quick answers to commonly asked questions. If you can't find the information you are looking for here, then please head to the contact page or give us a call. 

OPEN HOURS AND ACCESS

WHEN IS ORIAM OPEN?

Oriam is open 7 days a week and most of our facilities are accessible year-round. Our current opening hours are:

  • Monday - Friday | 06:30 - 22:00
  • Saturday | 08:00 - 20:00
  • Sunday | 08:00 - 22:00

Oriam does close for a few days each year for festive holidays and staff training. Planned closure dates for 2023 - 2024 are:

  • 11th August 2023 | Staff Training Day
  • 25th-26th December 2023 | Festive Break
  • 1st - 2nd January 2024 | New Year Break

CAN I ACCESS ORIAM FACILITIES AND SERVICES?

Short answer is Yes!
You are more than welcome to visit us and enjoy the wide range of facilities and services we have to offer. You don't need to be an elite athlete or part of Heriot-Watt University to join our community. Oriam was built to encourage and inspire fitness and sports participation at all levels.  

Accessibility: We always aim to be welcoming and inclusive, offering accessible facilities and services to our whole community. If you have any specific requirements or questions about access to Oriam, please email hello@oriam.hw.ac.uk or call 0131 451 8400. You can find more information on how to get here on our contact page

I'M NOT HERIOT-WATT STAFF OR STUDENT, CAN I STILL JOIN AS A MEMBER?

Absolutely, yes you can! Our memberships are open to our whole community. We have an excellent range of membership options for ages 10 yrs and up. You can find our full membership offering here and get started today!

DO I NEED TO BE A MEMBER TO USE THE GYM OR BOOK ACTIVITIES AT ORIAM?

No, you do not have to be a member to access our facilities. You can book sports and fitness activities on a pay as you play basis on our Oriam App, Website or at our Reception Desk. Our members do enjoy some great benefits and discounts so if you would like to visit us on a regular basis, a membership might be of interest to you. 

CAN I USE THE CHANGING ROOMS OR SHOWERS WHEN I VISIT?

Yes, absolutely. We have two sets of changing rooms conveniently located opposite Sports Hall One and our Members Fitness Suite. Each changing room includes day lockers, shower facilities, bench seating with plenty of space to get changed, a large vanity desk with mirror and hair dryers. Most of the changing spaces are an open layout however there are private cubicles too. The toilets are located next to the changing rooms. We also have accessible shower and changing facilities and baby changing areas. 

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME WHEN I VISIT?

There may be specific requirements for your chosen activity but here are a few of our recommended essentials:

  • Comfortable sports clothing
  • Appropriate Footwear - If in doubt a comfortable pair of trainers are best, preferably non-marking or white soled. Please check footwear policies for specific sports courts/pitches. 
  • Refillable water bottle - we have water stations throughout the building
  • A padlock for your locker - Please note lockers are for day-use only, no overnight or long-term storage.
  • A gym/shower towel - If you forget a towel we do have some available to hire at Reception. 

SPORTS HALLS

HOW MANY SPORTS HALLS ARE THERE AT ORIAM?

There are two sports halls at Oriam. Both halls are multi-functional spaces with line markings for basketball, badminton, futsal, netball, volleyball, pickleball and handball. Sports Hall 1 is located next to Oriam Reception and Sports Hall 2 is located in the 'Sports Centre' building next to the studios, squash courts and tennis centre. 

HOW DO I BOOK A SPORTS HALL OR COURT AT ORIAM?

For our Pay as You Play sports (basketball, badminton, futsal, netball and pickleball) you can simply book on our App or you can call or visit our reception team to book a space. Payment is required at the point of booking. Please see Pay as You Play Activities for more details.
For matches, team training or events, you can book one-off or regular recurring bookings with our bookings team, please complete our contact form or email bookings@oriam.hw.ac.uk to get started.
You do not need to be an Oriam Member to book a sports hall or court, our facilities are open to the whole community. 

WHAT SPORTS CAN I PLAY IN THE SPORTS HALLS?

We can currently offer the following sports in our sports halls, based on line marking and equipment available:

  • Basketball (maximum 5 cross-court spaces)
  • Badminton (maximum 10 full-court spaces)
  • Pickleball (maximum 10 full-court spaces)
  • Netball (maximum 4 court spaces)
  • Futsal (maximum 2 court spaces)
  • Volleyball (Team training or matches only, maximum 3 court spaces)

The maximum court number is based on full sports hall availability. Availability will be reduced if other activities already booked in. 

PITCHES

HOW MANY PITCHES ARE THERE AT ORIAM?

There are a total of 10 pitches at Oriam.

  • Two indoor 4G synthetic (1 full pitch and 1 training pitch)
  • One outdoor 4G synthetic
  • Five grass football pitches (reserved for sports partner bookings only)
  • Two grass rugby pitches (reserved for sports partner bookings only)

HOW DO I BOOK A PITCH AT ORIAM?

Our synthetic pitches are available to book for 5-a-side and 7-a-side as part of our Pay As you Play Sports. You can simply book via our App or you can call or visit Oriam Reception. Booking available 14-days in advance and payment is required at time of booking. Please see Pay as You Play Sports for more details. 
For team training or matches please complete our contact form or email bookings@oriam.hw.ac.uk to get started. 
Our grass pitches are reserved for our sports partners only. 

WHAT BOOTS SHOULD I WEAR ON ORIAM PITCHES?

Please bring football or rugby boots with metal or plastic studs or blades. Trainers and astro-turf shoes are not suitable for our pitches as they can cause compaction and damage to our synthetic pitches. 
Please only wear studs or blades whilst on pitch, please change shoes before entering our corridors or other activity areas. 

ARE THERE SPECTATOR SPACES FOR ORIAM PITCHES?

We do have spectator seating for our large indoor synthetic, outdoor synthetic and grass pitch one. Spectators are also welcome pitch-side for matches held on grass pitch 2 -5 and grass rugby pitches. Unless advertised otherwise, all training sessions are closed to the public. There is a small viewing area for the indoor academy training pitch.
Dogs are not permitted in our indoor or outdoor spectator seating areas however they are permitted at matches held on grass pitches 2-5 or the rugby grass pitches, as long as they are on a leash, under supervision at all times and any mess is cleaned-up appropriately. 

CAN I USE THE CHANGING ROOMS OR SHOWERS WHEN I VISIT?

Yes, absolutely. Our 5-a-side and 7-a-side PAYP bookings are welcome to use our members changing rooms located opposite Sports Hall One and our Members Fitness Suite. Each changing room includes day lockers, shower facilities, bench seating with plenty of space to get changed, a large vanity desk with mirror and hair dryers. Most of the changing spaces are an open layout however there are private cubicles too. The toilets are located next to the changing rooms. We also have accessible shower and changing facilities and baby changing areas. 
Team training sessions and matches will have team changing rooms allocated to them for their bookings. 

GYM AND FITNESS

HOW MANY GYM SPACES ARE THERE AT ORIAM?

There are currently 3 gym spaces at Oriam:

  • Member's Fitness Suite - Open to Oriam members and guests. Located next to Sports Hall One, not far from the main Oriam Reception
  • Strength and Conditioning Suite - This is a shared space between performance groups and members - ideal spot if the platforms in the Fitness Suite are busy.
  • Performance Gym - This gym is located in our Performance Wing and reserved for our sports partners and team training sessions. 

DO I NEED TO BOOK A SPACE IN THE GYM?

You do not need to reserve a space in our Member's Fitness Suite or Strength and Conditioning Suite. All you need is a valid Membership or a Guest Pass which can be set-up at Reception.
If you have not been to the gym before, we do recommend a Fitness Induction so you feel safe and comfortable with the equipment before you get started. 

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO USE THE GYM?

We welcome junior members from ages 10 years and up. All juniors must complete an induction before the start their first gym session and they must be accompanied by an adult until they are 16 years old. Access to some equipment and classes are restricted due to age. Please see Junior Memberships for full details on Junior gym access.

WHEN IS THE GYM AT ITS BUSIEST?

Like most gyms, Oriam Fitness Suite does have peak usage times. On a day-to-day basis, our busiest time is between 4:30pm and 8:30pm, Monday - Friday. We also have two seasonal peaks each year, January and September, when our students return to campus for the start of semester and new fitness goals are started.
If you find the Fitness Suite is particularly busy, you can try our Strength and Conditioning gym, located next to Squash Court 1. 

WHAT TYPE OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU HAVE IN THE GYM?

Our Members' Fitness Suite is fully equipped with industry-leading Technogym equipment, including a full range of cardio bikes, rowers and treadmills, along with a wide range of resistance machines, weightlifting platforms and free-weights area. If you have any particular requirements for your workout routine, please talk to one of our fitness team to find out what solutions we have to offer. 

CLINIC AND PERFORMANCE

WHAT FACILITIES ARE INCLUDED AT THE CLINIC?

The Clinic is based within Oriam with 3 treatment rooms and access to a wide range of specialist facilities. 

  • Treatment Rooms: Most treatments and consultations commence in the treatment rooms. These are private spaces equipped with treatment beds and all essential equipment for your chosen service. Please follow the signage to the Clinic waiting area ahead of your appointment. There are also treatment rooms available at the Heriot-Watt Health Centre 
  • Strength and Conditioning Suite: This is a shared space between performance groups, Clinic clients and members. Supervised Gym rehab sessions are often held here. Fully equipped for all your rehabilitation requirements.
  • Biodex Lab: The Biodex machine is a fantastic aid to injury and recovery testing. 
  • Hydrotherapy Pool: Our Clinic and Sports Science team have access to our fantastic hydrotherapy pool with aquatic treadmill and hydro-jets. This is a fantastic tool for sports recovery and rehab. 

WHAT FACILITIES ARE INCLUDED IN OUR PERFORMANCE WING?

Our Performance Wing is set-up as a base for our athletes training needs. Performance Wing Facilities include:

  • Performance Gym: Fully-equipped gym space reserved for use by our individual and team athletes. 
  • Rehab Space: Connected to the Performance gym for easy transition between treatment area and gym area for seamless recovery and rehab. 
  • Hydrotherapy Pool, Sauna and Cryo-spas: All 3 of these facilities are crucial to athlete recovery time after intensive training and for sports injury rehab. 
  • Performance Changing Rooms: The perfect base for our athletes and teams training and competing at Oriam, team locker room layout with all essential amenities. 
  • Pitch Access: The performance wing is ideally situated with easy access to both our indoor and outdoor pitches so pitches, gym and rehab spaces are all within easy reach.

CAN I USE THE CLINIC OR PERFORMANCE FACILITIES?

Our specialist performance and clinic facilities are not open to general public access however, our Clinic team can organise access if it is required as part of your clinic treatment. 

Sports teams and athletes can also book these spaces through our bookings team, please complete our contact form or email bookings@oriam.hw.ac.uk

SQUASH COURTS

HOW MANY SQUASH COURTS ARE THERE AT ORIAM?

There are 8 squash courts in total at Oriam. 1 Show-court, 5 glass-backed courts and 2 fully enclosed training courts. 

HOW DO I BOOK A SQUASH COURT AT ORIAM?

You can simply book, pay and play through our Pay as You Play Sports option on our App or you can call or visit our Reception team. Bookings are available up to 14 days in advance and payment is required at the point of booking. Please see Sports Activities for full details. You don't need to be a member to book and play.

For team training or tournaments please complete our contact form or email bookings@oriam.hw.ac.uk to get started. 

CAN I BORROW EQUIPMENT TO PLAY AT ORIAM?

Absolutely, yes you can! We have a selection of racquets and balls available to hire at Oriam Reception at a small cost. You are more than welcome to also bring your own. 

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME WHEN I VISIT?

There may be specific requirements for your chosen activity but here are a few of our recommended essentials:

  • Comfortable sports clothing
  • Appropriate Footwear - If in doubt a comfortable pair of trainers are best, with non-marking soles.
  • Refillable water bottle - we have water stations throughout the building
  • A padlock for your locker - Please note lockers are for day-use only, no overnight or long-term storage.
  • A gym/shower towel - we do also have towels to hire at reception if you forget yours.

TENNIS COURTS

HOW MANY TENNIS COURTS ARE THERE AT ORIAM?

There are 6 acrylic indoor tennis courts at the Oriam Indoor Tennis Centre, due to open in January 2024. 

HOW DO I BOOK A TENNIS COURT AT ORIAM?

You can simply book, pay and play through our Pay as You Play Sports option on our App or you can call or visit our Reception team. Bookings are available up to 14 days in advance and payment is required at the point of booking. Please see our Activities page for full details. You don't need to be a member to book and play.

Classes and Coaching now available, please see our Tennis Page for full details. 

CAN I BORROW EQUIPMENT TO PLAY AT ORIAM?

Absolutely, yes you can! We have a selection of racquets and balls available to hire at Oriam Reception, at a small cost. You are more than welcome to also bring your own. 

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME WHEN I VISIT?

There may be specific requirements for your chosen activity but here are a few of our recommended essentials:

  • Comfortable sports clothing
  • Appropriate Footwear - We recommend clean indoor tennis shoes with a light, non-marking sole and smooth tread. Strictly no outdoor or dark soled shoes, no heels and no treads with studs, bars or serrations. 
  • Refillable water bottle - we have water stations throughout the building
  • A padlock for your locker - Please note lockers are for day-use only, no overnight or long-term storage.
  • A small gym/shower towel

CONFERENCE AND CATERING SPACES

DOES ORIAM HAVE CONFERENCE OR MEETING SPACES?

Yes Oriam has a small selection of meeting rooms and conference options. If you would like to know more about our meeting rooms and conference spaces please complete the contact form or email bookings@oriam.hw.ac.uk.

WHAT CATERING FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE AT ORIAM?

Oriam Café is conveniently located at Oriam Reception, serving grab and go, hot and cold drinks and snacks. 

  • Monday - Friday | 08:00 - 19:00
  • Saturday | 08:00 - 19:00
  • Sunday | 08:00 - 19:00

We also have vending machines available in Oriam Lounge, above the Fitness Suite and Tennis Lounge, next to the Indoor Tennis Centre. 

Team or Conference Catering is available upon request, this should be requested at the point of booking for your event.