Tag: Norton Park

Edinburgh charities stick to desks despite hybrid hype

New data highlights enduring value of in-person work

A MAJOR new survey has confirmed that physical workspace remains essential for Scotland’s third sector – with a vast majority of respondents citing daily reliance on dedicated offices and meeting space.

The study, conducted by Norton Park, found that 92% of organisations surveyed continue to depend on physical work environments, despite the broader move toward remote and hybrid working models.

The survey captured data from more than 100 representatives across the charitable and social enterprise landscape, offering new insight into how Edinburgh’s not-for-profit sector is evolving in a post-pandemic context.

Located beside Easter Road stadium in Edinburgh, Norton Park has provided high-quality, affordable office space for third sector organisations since 1998. It currently hosts 25 charities and non-profits in a fully modernised Grade B listed building.

Keith Robertson, Chief Executive of Norton Park, said: “The data clearly demonstrates that demand for physical workspace remains high. Charities continue to view in-person working as vital – not only for internal collaboration and wellbeing, but for the effective delivery of their services.

“Our model allows us to meet that demand with ethical, affordable, and accessible space designed specifically for the third sector.”

The research revealed that 81% of respondents operate a hybrid model – however, a significant number still use their workspace four or five days per week.

The findings also reveal that organisational values strongly influence decision-making, with 89% stating that social justice commitments impact their choice of landlord or venue, and 80% expressing a preference for working with not-for-profit providers.

Keith added: “Charities are having to make every pound stretch further. Our ownership model lets us keep costs low, offer long-term stability, and reinvest directly into facilities – all of which supports the sustainability of our tenants.

“Affordability has always mattered – but right now, with rising costs and a funding crisis across the third sector, it’s absolutely critical. This research confirms that charities need spaces that don’t drain resources – and that’s exactly what Norton Park provides.”

Housed in a restored Grade B listed building that once served as a school and church, Norton Park provides a welcoming base for organisations, offering adaptable lease options, inclusive rental packages, and a collaborative community atmosphere.

The hub is home to a diverse range of leading organisations, among them well-known charities such as Cyrenians, Samaritans and Edinburgh Young Carers.

Keith added: “This research gives us confidence that the role of physical space in the third sector is not only secure but essential. Norton Park is proud to be part of that future. We provide a place where charities can do their best work, together.”

Amongst other priorities, the survey found that most organisations looked for accessibility and inclusivity as one of their top priorities, with neurodiverse-friendly features and wellbeing spaces.

Norton Park offers physical accessibility features and prides itself on social and financial inclusivity.

As Edinburgh’s pioneering office space dedicated solely to charities and social enterprises, Norton Park provides affordable accommodation tailored for registered charities, community organisations, and public sector bodies.

Edinburgh Tenants Federation to discuss damp and mould

THURSDAY 9th OCTOBER 6 – 8pm at NORTON PARK

Calling all tenants! Join ETF and a member of CEC for our next Federation Meeting to discuss damp and mould in the home.

Thursday 9th of October

6pm – 8pm

Norton Park Conference Centre

Call 0131 475 2509 or email info@edinburghtenants.org.uk if you require transport

‘Massively discounted’ property for vital charities in Scotland

 New research praises unique business hub for vital support to third sector

A THRIVING business hub dedicated to charities has been praised for the outstanding service and massive savings it is delivering to the Third Sector.

New research has revealed that Norton Park – which is next door to Easter Road stadium in Edinburgh – can provide high-quality office space to charities at up to 80% lower than some market prices.

Independent commercial property specialist CuthbertWhite was commissioned to benchmark Norton Park against the rest of the market and underline its vital place for the capital’s not-for-profit sector.

The objective report found Norton Park, which is currently home to 25 charities and no-profits,  stands apart from other serviced offices in the city, not just on cost, but on security, quality, and long-term value.

Keith Robertson, Chief Executive of Norton Park, said: “For many third sector organisations, cost and stability are the two biggest challenges.

“This report highlights what we’ve long known – that Norton Park is affordable while also offering a secure and high-spec base where organisations can thrive.”

Set within a fully modernised Grade B listed former school and church, Norton Park combines flexible leases, all-inclusive rent and a supportive, environment.

CuthbertWhite found that space in Norton Park is provided at 50% to 80% below market rates, providing stability and the kind of professional setting usually reserved for non-Third Sector tenants.

Organisations based at the hub include major charities like Cyrenians, Samaritans, Social Work Scotland and Edinburgh Young Carers.

The research highlighted the not-for-profit business hub delivers inclusive rent covering everything from high-speed broadband and utilities to cleaning and maintenance – with no hidden costs.

It also praised the site’s modern amenities, which include soundproof call pods on every floor, EV charging points, secure cycle storage, full lift access, breakout spaces, and a tenants’ lounge. A programme of regular events such as yoga, cinema clubs and lunch-and-learn sessions further enhances the community feel.

Chris Cuthbert of CuthbertWhite: “We work with many high-end commercial operators across Edinburgh and can say with confidence that Norton Park is a true outlier.

“It delivers tremendous value with quality features and, crucially, offers a level of leasing security to tenants that can be a challenge to find elsewhere in this sector at a similar price point.”

The site has maintained a 95 per cent occupancy rate over the past three years, and more than 60 per cent of current tenants have been based there for over five years – a testament to satisfaction and long-term commitment.

Within the 30,000 sq ft building are units from 60 sq ft to 3,000 sq ft, accommodating 1-40 desks. Norton Park also operated a dedicated co-working space, which allows non-profits to rent desks as needed.

Ewan Aitken, CEO of Cyrenians, said: “‘Not only are the facilities at Norton Park excellent value for money, but there is also a wealth of opportunities for collaboration with others in the Sector.

“The sense of community developed here at Norton Park, and supported by the staff here, is one of the key reasons we are delighted to call this our ‘central’ home.

Keith added: “Owning our premises means we can pass those savings directly on to our tenants. It also means we can plan with certainty, reinvest in our facilities and offer a truly sustainable future for the charities and social enterprises we support.”

With rent and service charges set at least 50% below market rates, the annual saving to the sector is significant — effectively matching what tenants would otherwise spend on a traditional premises. Last year alone, that translated to a saving of £515,000. Assuming similar savings year on year since opening, the cumulative value to the sector is now estimated at over £12 million.

Keith added: “These are estimated figures, but whatever way you look at it, our value to the Third Sector in Edinburgh is incredible.

“We are currently exploring how to more accurately calculate the wider social value that Norton Park delivers to the sector, the local community and the city.”

Cuthbert White’s report also highlighted that many commercial serviced office spaces operate under management agreements and leases that can end offering little to no tenure security. Norton Park’s owner and occupier model is the opposite, offering vital, long-term peace of mind to tenants.

Norton Park is Edinburgh’s first office complex exclusively for charities and social enterprises, offering discounted rates for registered charities, community groups and public sector organisations.

Edinburgh charity unveils bold youth mental health strategy

Youth organisation launches new inclusive and accessible mental health support

AN EDINBURGH-BASED youth mental health charity has unveiled an ambitious new strategy designed to create meaningful and accessible support spaces for young people across the city.

U-evolve, which has supported over 200 young people aged 11-21 each year since 2015, is marking a pivotal moment in its mission with the launch of its comprehensive 2025-2028 strategy.

The charity offers tailored services such as mental health coaching, counselling, art therapy, drop-in sessions, and specialised workshops, breaking down traditional barriers to mental health support.

The new strategy focuses on creating both physical and metaphorical spaces where young people can feel supported and empowered to take control of their mental well-being. 

Earlier this year, the charity made the move to Norton Park, Edinburgh’s first office complex dedicated to charities and social enterprises, operating from the carefully restored Victorian school building.

Susie McIntyre, Chief Executive of U-evolve, said: “Our new strategy is about creating space – both physical and metaphorical – where young people can feel genuinely supported and empowered to take control of their mental health. 

“Our move to Norton Park provides the ideal foundation for this transformative approach. The environment here inspires collaboration and innovation, enabling us to focus our resources and energy where they’re needed most- supporting the young people of Edinburgh.”

With a strong emphasis on listening to young people and involving them in decision-making, the strategy reflects a commitment to inclusivity, kindness, and continuous learning.

Part of this is done through Young Voices, a focus group centred around listening to the issues that matter to young people.

A young person benefitting from U-evolve’s work said: “I think Young Voices helps U-evolve realise the struggles that young people have today with Mental Health. 
 
“Being a part of Young Voices Team, has improved my confidence and especially around talking about mental health. It has helped me reflect and look at some problems that other young people have that I would not think of otherwise.”

The charity’s move to Norton Park symbolises a new chapter of growth and innovation. By reducing operational costs, U-evolve can invest more resources directly into supporting young people’s mental health and is now better positioned to extend its critical mental health services with renewed momentum.

Keith Robertson, CEO of Norton Park said:  “We’re proud to provide a professional home that enables organisations like U-evolve to focus entirely on their crucial mission.

“This strategy demonstrates the potential of charities when given the right support and environment.”

For more information on how to support U-evolve visit u-evolve.org or follow the charity on Instagram @uevolvescotland

Cyrenians launches new HQ

New office move underpins charity’s ‘significant growth‘

AN INNOVATIVE charity hub has created a purpose-built new HQ for one of Scotland’s most important organisations dedicated to ending homelessness.

Cyrenians has already spent 25 years based in Norton Park in Edinburgh but was spread across several units in the former school, which is home to 21 third sector organisations.

When a rare space came available in the building – renowned as the home of charities in Edinburgh – bosses at the hub bent over backwards to ensure it was refitted to perfectly suit the needs of Cyrenians.

Now the 220-strong charity, dedicated to tackling both the causes and consequences of homelessness has moved into a space almost double the size of its previous offices, which had become cramped as the organisation grew steadily.

Last year alone Cyrenians supported over 10,800 people experiencing or who were at risk of homelessness.

Delighted Catherine Bromley, marketing and communications manager with Cyrenians, heaped praise on Norton Park – a charity in its own right – as a brilliant landlord providing specialist and affordable offices space to those in the third sector.

She added: “Being in Norton Park, we are close to many other organisations who are striving towards similar goals. That opens us up to so many opportunities for collaboration, which has been fantastic.

“The facilities and amenities at Norton Park enable our staff to collaborate more effectively as we work to make real, lasting change in the lives of people in Scotland.

“We are launching a strategic plan for 2024 to 2027 and the move to the bigger space is very much consolidation for us as we strive to focus on and strengthen the services we offer at a time when Scotland is facing a housing emergency and we have never been more needed.”

The milestone move for Cyrenians means the organisation is now based in 3100 sq feet of space at Norton Park, where previously its team were spread across 3 units in the building with a total footprint of just 2800 sq ft. It also has offices in Falkirk and the Borders.

Since moving into Norton Park in 1999, Cyrenians has undergone significant expansion, currently providing 63 essential services across seven local authorities.

It attributes the expansion to the growing need for its services as a result of the persisting housing crisis and rising cost of living, leading to heightened levels of homelessness and temporary accommodation placements for many Scots.

Norton Park, in the heart of Leith, was a primary and secondary school which catered to generations of Edinburgh youngsters since 1903.

However, it later fell into disrepair until 1998, when it was rescued by the former Albion Trust (now known as Norton Park SCIO) which was founded to transform the building.

Continued investment means it now boasts a campus of modern shared offices, serviced with a reception – and fully accessible conference meeting and events spaces. Its conference centre, housed in a converted church adjacent to the school, provides space for up to 120 delegates.

It provides rent and services to charities significantly below market rates, enabling them to put more money back into their various missions.

Yolanda Wringe, Chief Operational Officer from Norton Park said: “Over the past 25 years we’ve had the privilege of accommodating Cyrenians and witnessing its remarkable growth as an organisation.

“Our aim to create a supportive community for these vital organisations so they can focus on their mission-driven work. 

“From charities with a two people-strong team to 220 people, our premises enable sharing of experiences and resources which can help enable organisations like Cyrenians to grow.”

Norton Park is Edinburgh’s first office complex exclusively for charities and social enterprises, offering discounted rates for registered charities, community groups and public sector organisations.

The eco-friendly building offers flexible leasing arrangements and specially designed spaces to foster productivity and cooperation among non-profits.