THE north Edinburgh gasholder – now named ‘Gas Holder 1’ – is lighting up the sky following a major refurbishment carried out by McLaughlin & Harvey.
Permanent lighting on the frame means it is seen brightly after dark and the frame will be lit in festive colours for the rest of December. The park within the frame opened at the weekend for its first visitors.
The newly built 1.2-hectare park has six different zones including three play areas with a range of play equipment. For those out to explore the new outdoor space there is an inner ring walk going round the outer edges of the frame with places to sit and relax. An outdoor exhibition has also been created which showcases the history of Granton gasworks as well as the restoration process.
Large lettering denoting ‘Gas Holder 1’ can be seen at the entrance. In spring 2025, there will be a celebration to officially open the park when the ‘art zone’ will become home to the winner of the community-led art piece.
Graham Brown, senior contracts manager at McLaughlin & Harvey, added, “We’re delighted to have completed this unique restoration project and handed it over to our client, The City of Edinburgh Council. In deconstructing the old bell, refurbishing the listed steel structure, and repainting the frame, we have solved complex engineering challenges by using our vast civil engineering experience and successfully collaborating with our client and supply chain partners. We are looking forward to joining the official opening celebrations next year.”
Mandy Watt, depute leader, the City of Edinburgh Council, said, “Gas Holder 1 and the new park sit right at the heart of our £1.3 billion regeneration of Granton Waterfront. I’m really excited we’ve reached this milestone before the year ends and look forward to the official opening of the park next year. It’s now open so I’d encourage local people to go and check out this fantastic new green space for the area as well as ‘Gas Holder 1’, which will light up the sky for everyone to enjoy in time for the festive season.”
Investment minister Tom Arthur stated, “This project demonstrates the benefits of regenerating derelict sites into places people can visit and enjoy. The new park will offer a vibrant and accessible space for the local community which will attract more visitors into Granton to support local spend.”
Refurbishment on the structure benefited from funding from the UK Government. The park within the frame was created using funding from the Scottish Government.
