Leith tram depot to become a creative hub
The site of an old tram depot from Edinburgh’s original tram system is being turned into a hub for artists, communities and businesses
Out of the Blue community and arts development organisation have partnered with the Edinburgh Council on a new project to breathe new life into an old tram depot off Leith Walk. We’re told that the structure, which hasn’t been used for six decades and is described as an ‘at risk’ listed building, will be turned into a community and business hub, thanks to a £1.3m funding injection from the Scottish Government and the City of Edinburgh Council.
The project will also see a street market created using reconditioned wooden huts from the former German Christmas market, which will hopefully provide a draw for residents and visitors alike to make more use of this part of town. “The business units and street market will create a real buzz on Leith Walk and will address the critical shortage of space for artists and other creative entrepreneurs in Edinburgh,” said Gavin Barrie, economy convener for the City of Edinburgh Council.
Barrie said: “This is welcome funding from the Scottish Government and I am delighted that this project can now go ahead providing new jobs and training places for local people. The community hub will deliver vital services to people in Leith Walk and the wider Leith area, which is one of the most densely populated and fastest growing places in Scotland.”
Out of the Blue's Rob Hoon told The Scotsman: "We have got more than 900 people on our own waiting list at the moment. In the past a lot of artists who came out of college in Edinburgh would just go to Glasgow because they couldn’t find any space, but the city is changing and there is now incredible demand.”
The initial part of the project will see the recycling and upgrading of sea containers, which will be made available to the community as creative space until long term plans for the site are secured. “The units could include studios for artists and other creative entrepreneurs, a social enterprise café providing employment and training opportunities and a community arts education/retail facility,” reads the statement.
Work is expected to begin on the project later this year, which is hoped to make available space for around 30 artists and help provide “vitally-needed flexible, affordable workspaces” in the city.