The Utilita Energy Hub in Leith will host part of this weekend’s Leith Chooses voting event after the lift at Newkirkgate Shopping Centre was confirmed to be out of order.
This year, the people of Leith will help decide how just over £44,000 of Edinburgh Council funding is allocated to community projects aimed at improving wellbeing across the area. Leith Chooses is a long‑running example of participatory budgeting, giving local residents a direct say in how public money is spent.
Voting Day – Saturday, 24 January 2026
Voting will take place at Leith Community Centre on Saturday, with a quiet voting hour from 11am, followed by general voting from 12pm to 3pm.
Due to the lift closure at Newkirkgate, volunteers in branded t‑shirts will be stationed throughout the area to support anyone requiring step‑free access.
Voters can either:
- Access Leith Community Centre via the ramp in the Lidl car park, or
- Cast their vote at the Utilita Energy Hub, located on the ground floor of Newkirkgate.
At the Utilita Energy Hub, visitors will find volunteers ready to assist, along with complimentary hot drinks, biscuits, and free energy‑saving advice.
Who can vote
Anyone aged 8 or over who lives, works, studies, or volunteers in Leith is eligible to vote. All votes will help determine which local projects receive funding to support community wellbeing.
Online voting also available
Those unable to attend in person can vote online from 27 January to 10 February at: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/voteleithchooses.
Voters attending in person are also welcome to cast their vote online if they prefer.
Support on the day
Anyone needing additional assistance during the event can contact the team on 07718 569916.
The Utilita Leith Energy Hub, located at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA, is open Monday to Saturday.
The Hub offers free community space that can be booked by emailing edinburgh@utilita.co.uk.
More information about Utilita Energy Hubs can be found at: