Category: Granton

Affordable Granton Harbour homes shortlisted for Scottish Home Awards

Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) alongside Hackland + Dore Architects have been shortlisted in two categories in the Scottish Home Awards 2022.

The categories are ‘Affordable Housing Development of the Year’ and ‘Housing Regeneration Project of the Year’ in recognition of their Heron Place affordable development in north Edinburgh.  

The shortlisted development is situated at Granton Harbour and makes up a stretch of the city’s large-scale waterfront regeneration programme. In total there are 46 homes for social rent, including two wheelchair accessible flats, and 58 homes for mid market rent within the development. The mid market rent flats are delivered by Persevere Developments Ltd, a subsidiary of PoLHA.  

The development of Heron Place contributes to the city’s waterfront regeneration by transforming derelict land into a sustainable neighbourhood and addressing local housing needs.

Community activities have been arranged for new residents and locals such as organised walks, courtyard events, and visits to nearby Wardie Bay beach. Tenants have also been involved in gardening within the development’s central courtyard. 

Heather Kiteley, PoLHA Group Chief Executive said: “It is wonderful to see residents of Heron Place enjoying their homes and adding to the community at Granton Harbour.

“The development with its friendly courtyard is a joy to visit and I am proud of all those who have been involved in its planning and development as well as the ongoing engagement with those who live there.

“I look forward to seeing the waterfront regeneration programme continue to unfold in the months and years to come.”  

Manuela Molendini, Hackland + Dore Architects Associate Director said: “Working collaboratively with PoLHA and CCG, Hackland + Dore Architects have delivered a sensitive design response, focussing on the positive impact on the local community through a range of urban and economic improvements.

“The enhancement of the ‘Public Realm’, comprises of accessible amenity space with high quality landscaping, while expanding connections to the existing marina with a network of paths for pedestrians and cyclists promotes sustainable travel. 

“Heron Place is a sustainable response to a brownfield site. The mixed-tenure development provides a comprehensive well integrated placemaking solution that meets housing targets, and delivers a neighbourhood where communities feel connected and can thrive.” 

Port of Leith Housing Association has ambitious plans to deliver more than 600 high-quality, affordable homes by 2025. You can read more about this in its strategic plan polha.co.uk/2025.  

Community Festival Countdown!

The North Edinburgh Community Festival is THIS SATURDAY!

Saturday 7th May from 12noon to 6pm.


The 🎤main stage🎤 will be jam-packed from 12noon!

Make sure you catch your favourite act:

12.00pm – Fischy Music
12.50pm – Pulse of the Place
1.15pm – Ama-zing Harmonies
1.35pm – Granton Youth MixTape
2.00pm – Big Fish Little Fish Scotland
2.45pm – Tinderbox Hub
3.10pm – Broughton High School
3.35pm – Yer Local Bams
4.10pm – City of Edinburgh Music School Jazz Quartet
4.35pm – DJ Dynamite
5.00pm – Tinderbox Collective & Guests

  • Plus Children and Families marquee with lots of workshops
  • the Open Space area with lots of activities for young and old,
  • sport activities if you’re feeling energetic,
  • 52 + stalls with local organisations providing information and activities,
  • food vans offering complimentary food and festival delights,
  • a sit down Community Lunch inside the WPNC.
  • Oh and don’t forget the UNDER THE SEA PARADE, from Millennium Centre to the Park!

#northedinfest

#community

#festival

#kidsactivities

#family

#music

#CommunityDevelopment

#learning

#foodfestival

#sports

See you all on Saturday!

Poppy Quest challenges walkers to discover Edinburgh’s hidden gems

Young detectives have dusted off their maps and magnifying glasses for a 10k treasure hunt around Edinburgh’s city centre.

Veteran Fraser Rowand, from Granton, joined Poppyscotland to launch its first ever Poppy Quest, with his wife Susan, and children Rebecca, 11, Lucy, 10, and George, 8,

They are challenging people of all ages to test their observation skills and ingenuity – as well as their legs – and rediscover their city, while supporting Scotland’s Armed Forces community.

The event takes place on Saturday, June 11th and is open to individuals, groups and families. Walkers will be provided with a map and a series of questions to navigate a route around the city.

There will also be a special competition for teams of cadets, with a trophy for the fastest time with all questions answered correctly.

All funds raised will go to support Poppyscotland’s work, providing advice and support to former and current servicemen and women and their families.

Mr Rowand, a former Lance Corporal in the Scots Guards, served two tours of Afghanistan, and now works in Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, in Edinburgh. He said: “The services Poppyscotland provides are really vital. Many veterans find it hard to adjust to ‘Civvy Street’, so we need to make sure support is there when they need it.

“We’re really looking forward to Poppy Quest – it’s a great way to spend time together and see Edinburgh in a new light.”

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising, said: “Poppy Quest Edinburgh is set to be a fantastic day out and a chance to rediscover this great city. We’re encouraging families, groups and individuals of all ages to challenge themselves, stretching their minds and legs and finding hidden gems along the way.

“Starting in beautiful Princes Street Gardens, you can take your time, enjoy the scenery and architecture, and perhaps even enjoy a picnic en-route. Participants are welcome to bring their four-legged friends as well.

“Intrepid teams of cadets can also join the race against the clock to complete the course with all questions answered correctly.

“All funds raised will go to support our life-changing work with Scotland’s Armed Forces community. As we emerge from the pandemic, veterans and their families need support more than ever, whether that’s with housing, employment, or mental or physical health.

“No one who has served their country should be disadvantaged, and we want to make sure Poppyscotland is always there when they need us.”

Registration costs are £16 for adults and £5 for 13-18 year olds, while children aged 12 and under are free. All participants will receive a Poppy Quest medal, t-shirt, map and quiz, as well as a unique pin badge for those who raise over £100. For more information visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk.

Barratt Developments Scotland donates £10k to SocialBite

Five Scottish charities to receive a share of £50k fund to help people facing homelessness, financial crisis or social exclusion

Local housebuilder Barratt Developments Scotland, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, has donated £10,000 to help homeless people in Edinburgh.

Social Bite is one of five charities to benefit from a share of Barratt’s £50k fund to help people facing homelessness, financial crisis or social exclusion. 

The UK charity is an innovative social enterprise, which is committed to ending homelessness through food, employment and housing. In Edinburgh it has coffee shops on Rose Street and Shandwick Place, along with the Social Bite Village – a supported community providing accommodation and assistance for up to 20 people affected by homelessness.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, co-founder of Social Bite, says Barratt’s donation will go towards supporting those who are affected by homelessness, experiencing high financial risk, or in crisis and in need of support.

Josh Littlejohn said: “On behalf of Social Bite and the people we support, I’d like to thank Barratt Developments Scotland. We know that ending homelessness requires everyone to play their part, and we are incredibly grateful for this generous donation.

“This support will enable us to continue to develop innovative programmes of food provision, supported employment and housing; to bring about systemic change, and empower people who have been homeless to transform their own lives.”

Churches Action for the Homeless (CATH) in Perth, The Highland Homeless Trust in Inverness, Aberdeen Cyrenians in Aberdeen and Community Veterans Support in Glasgow are among the other charities to benefit from a share of Barratt Development’s bumper £50,000 fund.

Alison Condie, managing director of Barratt Developments East Scotland, said: “As a homebuilder, we work in communities across the country to increase the availability of quality homes.

“Addressing homelessness is a cause that’s very close to our hearts but, sadly, the pandemic has exacerbated many of the social and financial issues and put many more people at risk.

“We are pleased to be able to provide some financial support to these organisations at a time when they need it most, and hope that our donations will help those who are vulnerable or facing hardship across the country.”

For more information on Barratt Developments Scotland, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, visit https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/

Junior Dodgeball coming to Granton

Thursdays at WARDIE RESIDENTS CLUB from 6.30 – 8pm

Starts 5th MAY

Hey folks!

Junior #Dodgeball is coming to #Granton

First session will be completely free for anyone to come along and give it a go!

Register via Spond: https://group.spond.com/UYNRU (an app we are using to manage attendance)

#ChooseDodgeball #Parents #Kids