Edinburgh’s OMNi Centre has teamed up with Scottish artist Helen Denerley and Edinburgh Zoo to deliver a primary school design project in celebration of the leisure and entertainment destination’s Dreaming Spires sculpture’s 20th anniversary this year.
P6 students at St Mary’s RC Primary School were invited to take part in a special design project entitled Sustainable Safari: Guardians of Tomorrow to commemorate the milestone. The Dreaming Spires giraffes, Martha and Gilbert, took centre stage in the artwork, while the background showcased each student’s take on a world where nature and people thrive together.
The OMNi team and Dreaming Spires Artist Helen Denerley attended St Mary’s on Friday 24 October to judge the 52 designs. Artwork elements included trees, animals, clean energy sources, and the use of abstract shapes and colours to show a healthy, sustainable environment.
P6 student, Nathan Glowacki, aged 10 was crowned design project winner for their detailed presentation of the giraffe form and the inclusion of a jumping calf. The design will be turned into an animation for all to see on OMNi’s new digital screen on completion of the centre refurbishment.
As a thank you, the participating students will enjoy a school trip to Edinburgh Zoo to learn about the giraffes and the conservation efforts of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).
Earlier this year, OMNi announced a 12-month corporate partnership with wildlife conservation charity RZSS and adopted a resident giraffe at Edinburgh Zoo.
Nicola Kehoe, Head Teacher of St Mary’s RC Primary School, said: “It’s been wonderful to work closely with OMNi on this exciting design project.
“The P6 students were inspired by Helen Denerley’s use of recycled materials and Edinburgh Zoo’s conservation work – and their individual take on this was reflected in the variety of designs created.
“The children are incredibly excited for their upcoming reward trip to Edinburgh Zoo, including a visit to OMNi’s adopted giraffe. The project has created a great start to the new term – combining creativity, fun, and learning for all.”
Eilidh Parker, OMNi Deputy Centre Manager, said: “We were blown away by the creative talent of the P6 students. Each and every design was truly terrific, and we cannot wait to see the winning design come to life on OMNi’s brand new internal digital screen as part of our centre refurbishment.
“Special thanks to St Mary’s and our project partners Edinburgh Zoo and Helen Denerley. An inspiring collaboration, aligning beautifully with OMNi’s evolution towards a vibrant and welcoming destination firmly rooted into the local community.”
The school project brings the sculpture’s 20th celebrations to a triumphant close. Earlier this year, OMNi adorned the giraffe sculptures with tassel party hats and created online excitement during a 4- week social media prize draw.
Over the years, Dreaming Spires sculpture has become a favoured local landmark and a meeting point for friends, families, and visitors.
As the centre undergoes a £5 million refurbishment, Martha and Gilbert remain a symbol of creativity, connection and community – values that are central to OMNi’s vision for the future.
Stay tuned for exciting things to come in the new year. OMNi and its brands remains open and welcomes visitors throughout the centre refurbishment.
Visit the OMNi website for refurbishment updates: https://omniedinburgh.co.uk/
Join us on Sunday 30 November from 11.00 until 15.00 at our office on Leith Walk for a fabulous day of sustainable shopping, sweet treats, and community spirit at our fashion sale to raise funds for the Community Taskforce project, supporting people across Edinburgh who have no one else, including those recently discharged from hospital, facing new health challenges, or in need of a helping hand.
Find out more here: 
to sell at the event then please drop them off at our office on Leith Walk anytime Monday to Friday from 10.00 until 15.00.
Leith already has two-thirds of all PBSA beds in Edinburgh – 6,332 out of 9,873 citywide. Despite this, developers keep proposing more blocks, even though Leith has no university campus and our area gains little direct benefit.
LCCC is calling for a moratorium on any new PBSA developments in Leith.
You can read our full position paper here 
Victoria Park — Saturday, 11 Oct, 10am – 1pm