Funding from Historic Environment Scotland and the National Lottery Heritage Fund will protect the built heritage of Granton Waterfront in Edinburgh.
Historic Environment Scotland writes:
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) are investing £1.34 million and the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) are investing £1.24 million from their jointly funded Heritage and Place Programme into Granton Waterfront. With the funding, the City of Edinburgh Council will bring the area’s historic buildings and structures back to life through restoring, upgrading and connecting these facilities with the wider community. The money will also be used to support new opportunities for the community to explore and celebrate Granton’s heritage. Each building and structure awarded the funding has its own unique story to tell about the history of Granton Waterfront, stretching from the late Victorian era to the early modern period. Together, they reflect the area’s rich industrial and cultural heritage. The funding secured will ensure that future generations will enjoy what they have to offer in the years to come.
Restoration projects
- Granton Lighthouse
At Granton Lighthouse, a full refurbishment of this nineteenth century C-listed building, including major fabric repairs and accessibility enhancements, will create a new flexible, creative, learning, enterprise and community development space, operated by arts charity Out of the Blue.
- Madelvic House
Madelvic House, a B-listed building from the 1890s, will also benefit. Once the headquarters for the UK’s first car factory, it will undergo roof and window restoration, interior upgrades, and accessibility improvements so it can be used by local arts and heritage organisations.
- Granton Station building platforms
The magnificent Edwardian former Granton gasworks railway station building is one of the capital projects that will benefit from the funding. It has already been beautifully refurbished and is occupied by social enterprise charity WASPS. The funding will be used to carry out upgrades to the disused platforms and introduce a heritage arts installation with green space that supports biodiversity.
- Granton Castle Walled Garden
The Council is also working with the Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden to carry out structural restoration to the boundary walls and doocot. This will build on initial works the Council has already carried out, helping to ensure its continued use as a community garden and food education hub.
Beyond physical restoration, the project places strong emphasis on community engagement and skills development. As part of the funding secured, a dedicated Community Heritage Officer will be appointed to lead a programme of heritage activities, including open days, exhibitions, walking tours, and volunteering opportunities. These events will be developed with local people and organisations to make sure they reflect the community’s interests, aspirations and the heritage that they care about. Numerous community organisations are involved in the initiative, including Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden, Wasps, Granton:Hub, and Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust. Their collaboration ensures that the heritage investment not only preserves the past but also empowers the present and future generations. The work will all be completed by 2030 and as it continues interpretation boards will also be installed to support navigation, explain the significance of the place and improve visitor experience and engagement.
Sir Mark Jones, Chair of the Board at Historic Environment Scotland, said:
‘Heritage has always played a vital role in shaping places and communities, and it’s important that it continues to do so. Through our Heritage and Place Programme investment in Granton Waterfront, we’re supporting a place?based approach that not only conserves historic buildings but reconnects them with the people who live here today. From local landmarks like the Lighthouse and Madelvic House, to community assets like the walled garden and industrial heritage embedded in Granton Station, each helps to tell the story of Granton’s past. By restoring and upgrading them, we’re ensuring they remain at the heart of its future – creating inclusive and accessible spaces for generations to come.’
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said: ‘We’re very grateful to be awarded this funding to carefully restore the built heritage of Granton Waterfront as part of the wider £1.3bn regeneration of the area.
A key aim of the project is to involve the local community in our plans for these listed buildings and structures as we bring them back to life for local people and visitors to use and enjoy for generations to come. As part of the restoration work we will deliver traditional skills training in partnership with Edinburgh College and local contractors will focus on construction and conservation skills that support career development and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the area’s heritage. The regeneration of Granton Waterfront is guided by a ‘place first’ approach and we’re aiming to reconnect heritage sites and create inclusive, accessible spaces that foster wellbeing, creativity, and social cohesion. The project will also support activities at Granton Castle Walled Garden, enhancing local food production and education, and helping to alleviate food poverty. This project, along with the recent refurbishment of the gasholder and creation of Gasholder 1 Park, demonstrates our commitment to celebrate the historical legacy of the area.’
Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: ‘Granton is in the midst of major regeneration which will deliver exciting new opportunities for the area, creating new homes and bringing existing and new communities together. In that context, Granton’s heritage offers strong anchor points for community connections and our investment of £1,248,86, thanks to National Lottery players, will ensure heritage sits at the heart of Granton’s regeneration underpinning its character and values. Heritage connects people, cultures and communities to a place. We are investing in Granton as a place that supports community, embraces cohesive and sustainable economic regeneration, and cultural connections with a genuine pride in place.’
