The Leith Collective launches annual Christmas tree exchange with an extra personal touch this year
A shocking 14% of people said they would throw away their artificial Christmas tree rather than reuse it next year*. With the planet facing an environmental emergency and people facing a continuing cost of living crisis, one local Community Interest Company is determined to put an end to this mindless waste and send a message of hope to those in need in the process.
Sunday 1st December will see The Leith Collective launch its annual Christmas tree exchange across its four Scottish stores, and this year it’s adding an extra personal touch. Locals are being urged to search their homes for any unwanted Christmas trees and decorations that may be languishing in cupboards and attics. Instead of sending them to landfill, they can drop them off at The Leith Collective stores where they will be passed on to those in need.
The Leith Collective is also calling on Christmas shoppers to take time out of their present hunting to stop and think of others by writing messages of hope on decorations which will be hung on these pre-loved Christmas trees to lift spirits and spread joy this season.
Last year, The Leith Collective re-homed almost 500 Christmas trees and demand is expected to be just as high this year.
Speaking ahead of the Christmas tree exchange launch, The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson, said; “We want people to stop and think of others this Christmas. Passing on trees and Christmas decorations is not only good for the planet, but it’s also a lovely way of adding a little festive joy to the lives of those less fortunate.
!And by taking the time to write a thoughtful message to accompany each tree, we hope it will help people to connect with others. To those receiving these trees and personalised decorations, we hope it offers them comfort to know people are thinking of them this Christmas.”
Christmas trees and decorations will be available for anyone to collect at Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird, Ocean Terminal and Waverley Market stores, as well as Dundee’s Overgate store, during opening hours completely free of charge. No stigma, no judgement, no questions asked.
The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird is launching its annual winter coat exchange tomorrow (Tuesday 1st October) to provide the local community with access to pre-loved coats for free during the colder months.
The independent store, located between Mango and WHSmith, is inviting local residents and businesses to donate good quality winter coats they no longer need, with men’s and children’s coats in highest demand.
Members of the local community will then be able to browse the collection of coats instore and pick up one up for themselves and their family, completely free of charge, with no questions asked.
The initiative builds on last year’s success, where more than 10,000 coats were donated and distributed across the region.
Sara Thomson, founder of The Leith Collective, said:“People often discard their old coats or leave them hidden at the back of a wardrobe when they are still in perfectly good condition and could provide someone else warmth over the winter months.
“A comfortable winter coat is a basic necessity, but for families that have been continually stretched, it can be yet another essential item that they are having to sacrifice, so we invite anyone who needs support to make use of the service this year.
“We’re also very grateful to everyone who donated last year, and hope people are able to support again this year, our only ask is that the coats donated are still in a good quality condition and that all personal belongings have been removed from the pockets.”
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said:“We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with The Leith Collective and the hugely important initiatives Sara and the team run all year round to benefit our local community – and the winter coat exchange plays a huge part in this.
“Not only has it provided valuable support to those who need it most for three years running, it also offers shoppers the opportunity to make sustainable choices for pre-loved coats that they no longer need. I look forward to seeing the impact I’m sure it will have again this year.”
The Leith Collective showcases the work of more than 300 artists and makers from all over Scotland, brought together by a common aim to reuse, recycle, and reclaim. It resells items that may otherwise have been destined for landfill and all of its stores also host a range of creative workshops focused on sustainability.
Five star attraction commits to long-term future as part of reconfigured destination on Leith’s waterfront
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OT (Ocean Terminal) and The Royal Yacht Britannia have agreed a new 25 year lease which will cement OT’s position as the leading tourist destination on Leith’s waterfront.
The five-star attraction voted Tripadvisor’s No.1 UK Attraction 2023 – 2024 has committed to a long-term future with OT as part of the redevelopment project and multi-million pound redevelopment of the site.
Chris Richardson, Managing Director of Ambassador Investment Management, the Scottish owners of Ocean Terminal, said:“This is a significant development for the reconfiguration of the site, and we are absolutely thrilled that The Royal Yacht Britannia, one of the UK’s most popular visitor attractions, has agreed a 25 year lease with OT.
“I am in no doubt this will be a formidable partnership, cementing our position as a leading tourist destination on Leith’s waterfront, furthering our ambitions for the wider regeneration of Leith, and the local community around the site.”
A spokesperson for The Royal Yacht Britannia added: “We are delighted to have secured the long-term future for The Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith as part of the exciting redevelopment of Ocean Terminal, and we look forward to moving into our state-of-the-art visitor centre and fantastic new gift shop in early 2025.”
Britannia is one of the most famous ships in the world, travelling more than a million nautical miles, serving the Royal Family for over 44 years.
Today, she is a five-star visitor attraction and exclusive evening events venue.
The owners of Ocean Terminal (OT) have confirmed that Greggs will be a long-term fixture in the redevelopment. The food on the go retailer will be relocated within the ground floor, remaining in a prime spot close to the main entrance.
The new store will open later in the year, with the existing shop continuing to trade until then.
Concerns were raised earlier this year that the chain would close, as plans for the regeneration of the site included proposals for new toilet facilities on the existing Greggs unit. However, a relocation agreement has been reached with the food outlet remaining a permanent fixture of the waterfront development.
Chris Richardson, Managing Director of Ambassador Investment Management, the Scottish owners of Ocean Terminal, said: “Greggs has over time become a national institution and one which is much-loved by our existing customers so we are delighted to have reached an agreement to relocate the store to a new prime spot within the redevelopment.
“The repurposing journey of OT is part of a larger regeneration project to develop Leith waterfront, delivering a more sustainable development for the local and wider community, and we are committed to delivery of that long term goal.
“Securing the future of Greggs at OT is part of that commitment and we look forward to opening the newly fitted store later this year, until then customers can continue to visit the existing store within OT.”
The new store will be 1,500 sq ft, double the size of the existing unit, with a new seating area as part of the modern fit-out.
Tony Rowson, Greggs Property Director, said: ““Our mission is simple – we want Greggs to be accessible, wherever, whenever, and however our customers need us. And by ensuring our shops are the best they can be, our customers have a brilliant experience when they visit us.
“We are pleased to be relocating our existing shop in Ocean Terminal into a new unit, where the shop design will allow us to maximise space and increase our capabilities in food preparation – enabling us to realise the potential of both our delivery and Click + Collect digital channels, whilst also offering the best experience for walk-in customers.”
This is just one of many positive developments recently announced as part of the multi-million pound redevelopment of the site, including a new Tesco Express, and the relocation and upgrade of the 24/7 PureGym to a brand new unit last month.
Last year Ocean Terminal revealed it had agreed a long-term lease with Level X, the gaming and immersive entertainment provider, which will see a new purpose-built, 30,000 sq ft, state-of-the-art leisure venue open at the centre adjacent to a brand new Club 3000 Bingo venue which promises to be one of the best clubs ever developed in the UK, enhancing the leisure offering at the new look centre.
The major redevelopment of Ocean Terminal has hit its first goal with the reopening of PureGym, the UK’s largest gym operator, in a new location on the first floor.
The newly upgraded 24/7 gym is the first commercial unit to open as part of a complete overhaul of the shopping centre, and a wider project to regenerate Leith. Following the refurbishment, PureGym Edinburgh Ocean Terminal includes a larger free weights area, a new look functional zone with prowler track, a dedicated cycle studio and a new look fitness studio.
Ocean Terminal’s Masterplan was unanimously approved by City of Edinburgh Councillors in January this year, and includes plans for the provision of a pedestrian-centred waterfront, new mixed-use community amenities comprising residential, retail and commercial spaces, and high-quality public realm spaces.
Chris Richardson, Managing Director of Ambassador Investment Management, the Scottish owner of Ocean Terminal, said: “It’s an exciting time to see years of planning coming to fruition with the opening of PureGym.
“We are committed to working with the local community to deliver on a vision which brings positive social, economic and environmental benefits to the whole of Leith as part of a wider regeneration project, so we’re delighted to see the first steps of this becoming reality.”
A PureGym spokespersonsaid: “We’re delighted to bring PureGym Edinburgh Ocean Terminal members a new look and feel to their gym.
“Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre is a fantastic location for PureGym and the brand new, upgraded gym will ensure members have 24/7 access to the latest state of the art gym equipment to meet their fitness needs.
“We look forward to seeing everyone, both returning members and new ones, enjoy our upgraded gym!”
Come and share your experiences of accessing healthcare as a woman in Scotland!
Discussion topics will include: periods, pregnancy, maternity and motherhood, menopause, mental health, patient experience and more.
This free reminiscence group is open to 60+ and all participants will receive a £15 gift card for their contributions.
Join us on Thursday 18th April at 11am for reminiscence and refreshments at the Wee Hub Lounge (first floor of Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre), right beside The Wee Hub brought to you by The Living Memory Association.
A new clean vehicle charging hub at Leith Waterfront’s Ocean Terminal is to power up after being approved by City of Edinburgh councillors.
The hub, powered by SSE, will form part of the major redevelopment of Ocean Terminal which is currently underway, and which will create a sustainable new neighbourhood on Leith’s waterfront with the provision of new homes, health and leisure facilities and new active travel options for centre users and the surrounding community.
Located at the front of the Ocean Terminal building, adjacent to the current south car park, six state-of-the art EV chargers powered by traceable, clean renewable energy will be able to charge up to 12 vehicles at a time, with two of the bays in the hub designated for accessible parking.
The new site will allow electric vehicle drivers to charge their cars whilst visiting the facilities at the redeveloped Ocean Terminal centre – including a cinema, gym, bingo and family entertainment venue Level X. The ultra-rapid charging facilities of up to 150 kilowatts (kW) will allow drivers to get back on the road within an hour of plugging in.
On 10th August 2023, the ultra-rapid EV Charging Hub from SSE Energy Solutions was installed and launched at the Gapton Hall Retail Park in Great Yarmouth, managed by M7 Real Estate for Oxford Properties. Sir Brandon Lewis CBE was in attendance for the unveiling.
Chris Richardson, Managing Director of Ambassador Investment Management, the Scottish owners of Ocean Terminal, said:“Having recently received planning consent to deliver our Masterplan for Ocean Terminal, we are delighted that our vision for a new neighbourhood on Leith’s waterfront with sustainability at its core is taking shape so quickly as we bring this new EV charging hub to the area.
“As the future of Ocean Terminal changes, so too do the needs of our centre users and we are proud to be working with our partners at SSE, a company which is at the forefront of decarbonisation solutions, to meet modern requirements for clean fuel and green travel options.
“And with the new hub able to charge an electric vehicle in an hour, it will provide the perfect reason to visit the new and improved Ocean Terminal for a meal, film or browse of the shops!”
On 10th August 2023, the ultra-rapid EV Charging Hub from SSE Energy Solutions was installed and launched at the Gapton Hall Retail Park in Great Yarmouth, managed by M7 Real Estate for Oxford Properties. Sir Brandon Lewis CBE was in attendance for the unveiling.
Kevin Welstead, EV Director from SSE Energy Solutions said: “We’re proud to announce this site with Ocean Terminal which will provide ultra-rapid EV charging facilities for their customers to have at their disposal.
“At SSE, we’re dedicated to helping get people on the road to net zero. By providing high-quality EV Charging hubs we are supporting both the public and businesses across the UK and Ireland to make the transition to electric vehicles.
“This site is a perfect example of how drivers can conveniently and quickly charge their electric vehicle as they go about their day.”
Ocean Terminal has recently welcomed the approval of its Masterplan to construct 530 new homes alongside commercial facilities to give a new lease of life to the Ocean Terminal centre, which originally opened in 2001.
Alongside the successful Tram to Newhaven, the plans will add significant provision of cycle parking and an expansion of the cycle route along Leith waterfront, creating new active travel options for centre users and the surrounding community.
CITY Councillors have today (10 January) given their unanimous approval for a major planning application redeveloping the Ocean Terminal centre at Leith waterfront.
The Ocean Terminal Masterplan has been in development and consultation with the local community since 2020, and promises to deliver a sustainable new neighbourhood on Leith’s waterfront with the provision of new homes in addition to community amenities, health and leisure facilities for people from all over the Capital and further afield.
Planning consent for the first phase of the masterplan, for part-demolition of the multi-storey car park and former Debenhams retail unit, was received in autumn 2022. Phase 2, which has received approval from councillors today, will deliver the full Masterplan with the provision of a pedestrian-centred waterfront, new mixed-use community amenities comprising residential, retail and commercial spaces, and high-quality public realm spaces.
During the hearing of City of Edinburgh Council’s Development Management Sub-Committee, councillors commended the developer’s attention to detail and incorporation of key Council and national priorities including housing provision, green space provision, community amenity and sustainability.
Chris Richardson, Managing Director of Ambassador Investment Management, the Scottish owner of Ocean Terminal, said: ““Having worked closely with residents, businesses, locally-elected representatives and planning officers at the City of Edinburgh Council since 2020, we are delighted to have received approval for our Masterplan today.
“The result of our collaborative engagement with local stakeholders is a development which puts community front and centre.
“Our plans will meet Edinburgh’s housing needs during a housing emergency, support the vibrancy of Leith waterfront with the creation of new commercial units, serve our community through various amenities including a supermarket and medical centre, and embed sustainability.
“With planning approvals in place, we look forward to delivering this vision for a new neighbourhood on Leith’s waterfront.”
The plans amount to a £250 million investment in Leith’s waterfront, retaining and creating over 600 local jobs, with further job opportunities during the construction phase, and had won the support of neighbouring businesses and community groups.
Brendan Reilly, President of Leith Chamber of Commerce said:“We at the Leith Chamber of Commerce are delighted to hear that the proposed transformation of Ocean Terminal has gained consent.
“The redevelopment of this area will improve and add significant enjoyment value to the cosmopolitan and European feel that visitors and residents alike already experience when spending time in this thriving area that is Leith.”
Over 530 new homes with multiple tenure options will be constructed under the Masterplan, with a key focus being residential amenity with secure courtyard gardens and raised terraces.
Opening up access to the waterfront and The Royal Yacht Britannia via an extension to Ocean Drive, the project will re-connect the new neighbourhood back to Leith. Together with the re-imagined retail centre, the high-quality public realm spaces will create a safe, vibrant neighbourhood and new waterfront destination for the wider community.
Neil Whatley, Associate Director at Keppie Design which developed the architectural design of the proposals, said: “Keppie is delighted that the City of Edinburgh Council has approved the proposals for Phase 2 of the re-imaging of the existing retail centre, securing its future retention and operation as a key local amenity and introducing a new, residential-led, mixed-use neighbourhood.
“Ambassador Investment Management’s bold and determined vision will allow the Ocean Terminal project to buck the current trend for whole-scale retail demolition – instead retaining and reimagining the existing asset, creating an outward looking development, integrated into a wider, residential-led urban environment that embodies the rich history, character and vibrant spirit of Leith.”
Colin Smith, Director, Head of Planning Scotland at Turley, acting for Ambassador Investment Management said:“This approval marks a significant milestone in Ocean Terminal and Leith’s regeneration, completing the strategic reshaping of Ocean Terminal from an inward-looking, retail and leisure driven commercial centre, to an outward-looking, mixed-use town centre.
“The dynamic neighbourhood will enhance the quality of living, working and leisure space for all, including new public realm next to the waterfront.
“Key sustainability and climate change objectives from the National Planning Framework 4 – which supports the recycling of assets, such as brownfield land, promotes local living and compact urban growth – are delivered by this development, providing convenient, accessible, mixed-tenure living, well connected to the wider city.”
Right There, a charity which helps prevent homelessness, is creating ‘Magical Moments’, in Edinburgh. The festive campaign aims to give people going through hard times special moments at Christmas and beyond.
Tapping into the real magic of Christmas, ‘Magical Moments’ hopes to spread the message of goodwill and community kindness through a series of festive fun experiences for the children and adults being supported across four locations – Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, and Orkney.
Right There brought their festive campaign to Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal on Wednesday, with members of the Taiko Drumming Group performing a festive drumming extravaganza with live demonstrations for people supported by the charity, and other shoppers.
Taiko Drumming Group is run by Nemo Arts, a charity that supports people in recovery from poor mental health through creative arts.
Every year the charity supports around 4,000 children, adults and families who are experiencing, or at risk of homelessness. Providing one-to-one tailored support, Right There offers safe places to live, along with emotional and practical help – from mentoring to housing advice and support in the community.
Last year, the charity supported 1,461 people from Edinburgh in its ‘In the Community’ programme.
Ginohas been supported by the Right There’s Pilton at Home Programme in Edinburgh for around five months.
He said: In my time here so far, the staff have been brilliant at supporting me with any goals I wanted to achieve. I always feel I can come to staff at any time, and they will do whatever they can to make my goals happen. I feel so much safer and more structured here.
“Overall, I just feel so much more positive than I did before and I am looking forward to a future with my own tenancy, getting pets and spending more time with my family which I didn’t feel would be possible before. I would like to thank the staff for going above and beyond, being here has really saved my life.”
Right There Chief Executive, Janet Haughsaid: “Christmas is a time for family, friends and exchanging gifts, but sadly this is far from the reality for some of the people we support who are living with the effects of homelessness, poverty, or have been separated from their families.
“Every day our dedicated teams help people create life-changing moments in their lives. Be that a young person from care having a mentor to help achieve their goals or supporting an adult with a safe place to live so they can move on from the trauma of homelessness.
“The festive period can be an extremely challenging time for those without a safe place to call home, but we hope ‘Magical Moments’ will spread the magic of Christmas and enable people to create a lasting legacy that will help those who need it the most all year round.”
Hugh McCue, Chief Executive, Nemo Arts, added: “Nemo Arts is excited to be part of Magical Moments. Our Taiko drumming group is looking forward to sharing the skills they have learned through a short performance and passing on the joy through a few open workshops.
“Taiko Drumming, and arts in general, is a great way to make memories, learn skills and come together as a community.”
The ‘Magical Moments’ campaign launched last month in Glasgow at the charity’s Govan headquarters, where Children and young people supported by the charity enjoyed a Magical Moment Christmas Grotto of festive fun.
By creating ‘Magical Moments’, the charity is asking members of the public to give a gift that will last far beyond Christmas.
By donating to Right There via its online campaign at rightthere.org, everyone has the opportunity to change someone’s life for the better.
To find out more about the Magical Moments campaign visit righthere.org or follow ‘Right There Org’ on social media.
Immersive gaming and entertainment leisure venue to open in 2024
Ocean Terminal has agreed a long-term lease with Level X, the gaming and immersive entertainment provider, which will see a new purpose-built, state-of-the-art leisure venue open at the centre next year.
With a vast range of activities on offer including bowling, minigolf, table tennis, karaoke, arcade games and a virtual reality arena, the new 29,000 sq ft venue will be adjacent to the ground floor entrance of Ocean Terminal, amalgamating nine units plus the mall space between them.
The Ocean Terminal facility will be Level X’s second Scottish venue, further to the opening of Level X St Enoch in Glasgow in September 2022 – bringing the popular gaming hospitality model to life on Edinburgh’s waterfront. Level X also opened a venue in Middlesbrough earlier this year.
Following the extension of the Edinburgh Tram network to Newhaven, Level X forms a part of Ocean Terminal’s major redevelopment as a town centre for the local community.
Ocean Terminal’s £250 million masterplan will see the centre reconfigured, alongside new homes and public realm to maximise its unique waterfront location and fulfil local aspirations for 20-minute neighbourhoods.
Tim Wilks, founder at Level X said: “Level X is all about merging the games you loved as a kid with cool tech elements to elevate the experience.
“We have been all over the world looking for the latest and best games, with a particular focus on tech, that will be showcased perfectly within the venue. The fit-out will be fantastic, with lots of colour, different zones, and huge attention to detail.
“We’re really looking forward to bringing Level X to Ocean Terminal – it’s a mind-bending concept, mixing virtual and real-world experiences. Level X is the future of entertainment today.”
Chris Richardson, Managing Director of Ambassador Investment Management, the Scottish owner of Ocean Terminal, commented: “Level X embodies a new approach to entertainment by combining gaming and hospitality, creating an exciting, fun and unique offer that is enjoyed by families and adults alike.
“We are delighted to welcome Level X to Ocean Terminal as part of our major redevelopment and reimagining of the centre.
“Level X’s long-term commitment to Ocean Terminal is a huge vote of confidence for our future as a town centre for the local community – combining attractive leisure options with hospitality, shopping and community amenities.”
Donald Syme, Asset Manager, who acted for Ocean Terminal, added: “Leith is undergoing a huge regeneration and Ocean Terminal’s redevelopment is right at the centre of that.
“We’re excited to work with the team at Level X to open their second Scottish venue and make it as much of a success in Leith as it has been elsewhere in the UK.”
