Community rallies to fight development proposals
More than 200 people attended campaign group Save Leith Walk’s packed public meeting in Leith Theatre on Tuesday evening. The meeting heard about the likely impact of Drum Group’s proposed development on Leith Walk and went on to reject the plans for demolition, with local people arguing instead for the retention of the current sandstone buildings.
The Cockburn Association’s Joseph Taylor told the meeting that they didn’t feel a thorough heritage assessment of the buildings had been done, and speaker after speaker ent on to condemn the plans. There was dismay at the small proportion of social housing on offer and concern over the proposed height of the new buildings (5-7 storeys), which would impact light and ‘sunshine on Leith’.
More than 5,000 people have now signed the Save Leith Walk petition against demolition and the campaign has raised £2500.
Save Leith Walk’s Linda Somerville said camapigners will be ready when the formal planning process begins.Speaking after the public meeting, she said: “Save Leith Walk was overwhelmed by the community attendance and feeling last night at the Save Leith Walk public meeting about the proposed demolition. A packed house of over 200 residents and local businesses came together to express their concerns, fears and hopes for the local area.
“We have a real opportunity to form a true partnership between the community, developers and local authorities if we can all come to the table ready to work together for the good of the community. Our hope is still that ultimately we can develop a vision and plan for Leith to ensure it can flourish and persevere.
“Over the next few weeks we are asking the Leith community – and beyond – to continue to raise awareness and funds for the campaign. We’ll be having discussions with the community and local politicians so that when the formal planning application process begins, we are ready.”
Local MSP Ben Macpherson has also urged Drum to rethink their plans. He said: “There is no need for the current sandstone building to be demolished and it shouldn’t be demolished – that has been my consistent position, it remains my clear position and it’s clearly the widely shared view in Leith and beyond.
“Local people are angry about the prospect of losing such an iconic building in Leith, and like me many people have strong affection towards the current tenants, like Leith Depot, The Bed Shop and Leith Walk Café.
“As I said at the public meeting and have done so at every opportunity, I strongly urge Drum to reconsider their plans, abandon proposals for demolition and leave the existing building intact, while potentially developing behind it. Drum and the University of Edinburgh should listen to the community and abandon proposals for demolition now – then they would have the opportunity to work with the local community to create something innovative, that respects the past and protects the livelihoods of current tenants, whilst also creating buildings for the future.”
Save Leith Walk fundraiser:
SLW fundraiser, the first of two hosted by Reggae got Soul. It’s on Friday the 15th June at the Dockers club in Leith Links; all welcome. Tickets will be available on the door and all proceeds will go to the campaign.
Pictures: Deborah Mullen
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