EXTERNAL funding of almost £3 million has been made available to protect the built heritage of Granton Waterfront in north Edinburgh.
The investment will bring the area’s historic buildings and structures back to life through restoring, upgrading, and connecting the facilities with the wider community.
The funding is from the heritage and place programme (H&PP) with £1,346,389 from Historic Environment Scotland and £1,248,868 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. 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 funding has its own unique story to tell about the history of Granton Waterfront, stretching from the early modern period to the late Victorian era. Together, they reflect the area’s rich industrial and cultural heritage.
At Granton Lighthouse, a full refurbishment of the nineteenth century C-listed building – including major fabric repairs and accessibility enhancements – will create a new flexible, creative, learning, enterprise and community development space, to be operated by Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust.
Madelvic House, which is B-listed and 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.
The Council is also working with the Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden to carry out structural restoration to the boundary walls and doocot of Granton Castle’s walled garden. 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.
Council leader Jane Meagher said, “I’m very pleased that this project has been awarded funding to carefully restore the historic buildings 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 people to use and enjoy for generations to come. Historic buildings play an important role in the identity and character of a place, and they are a fundamental part of our collective history and that is why it is so important to make sure that the people of Granton have a role to play in creating and enhancing that identity. This will ensure that a formerly neglected part of the city becomes a desirable place to live with a thriving community at its heart.
“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 reduce food poverty.
“This project, along with the recent refurbishment of the gasholder and creation of Gasholder 1 Park, demonstrates our commitment to celebrating the historical legacy of the area.”
