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.”
Music fans will be thrilled to discover that they can enjoy the much-anticipated RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ on the big screen from 1st December.
With just weeks to go until the world premiere of the film on 30 November, tickets are now on sale at Vue Edinburgh Ocean and Vue Edinburgh Omni – with prices starting from just £14.99 when booked online.
RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ will be arriving at Vue Edinburgh Ocean and Vue Edinburgh Omni on Friday 1 December, with multiple screenings showing throughout the month.
Having started the first leg of her tour in Europe earlier this year, Beyonce played five sold-out gigs at Tottenham Stadium, London, in May and June.
Those who missed out on tickets – which ranged from £55 to £2,400 for VIP experiences – or fans who want to relive the experience can now catch a piece of the action at Vue Edinburgh Ocean and Vue Edinburgh Omni for a fraction of the price.
A combination of documentary and live footage from the show, RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ will give members of the BeyHive a chance to live and breathe the entire journey of the Renaissance World Tour from the best seat in the house.
Tapping into the anticipated Beyonce mania, Vue Edinburgh Ocean and Vue Edinburgh Omni will be offering limited edition merchandise.
Beyonce’s Renaissance album topped the charts this summer, garnering critical acclaim and saw the mega-star break the record for the most Grammys ever won.
Robert Smith, General Manager for Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: ‘Following on from the success of Taylor Swift’s concert film, which is still screening at Vue, it looks as if the success of Beyonce’s album and tour are going to be continued with the release ofRENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ.
‘It’s been brilliant to see the growing buzz since the film’s announcement and we’re thrilled to be welcoming Beyonce to Vue venues in Edinburgh this December for what will no doubt be a must-see for music fans.’
The Leith Collective launches free school uniform exchange to help worried parents this summer
School’s out for summer but far from signalling the start of a care-free holiday, many Edinburgh parents are already worrying about how they will afford new school uniforms when the holiday is over and the new academic year begins.
That’s according to one local Community Interest Company, The Leith Collective, who are reporting a higher level of anxiety than ever amongst Edinburgh parents, many of whom have said they will be cutting back on summer holiday treats this year to meet the rising cost of essentials such as school uniforms.
And so, The Leith Collective is acting now to help alleviate some of that anxiety with the launch of their free school uniform exchange.
Taking place at The Leith Collective stores in Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal and Fort Kinnaird as well as the Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre, this initiative will see locals donate good quality uniforms, schoolbags, pencil cases and school essentials to those in need. Items will be available for anyone to collect completely free of charge, no questions asked.
Speaking ahead of the launch, The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson said; “Demand for our free school uniform exchange last year was high. Sadly, due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, there is an increasing number of families from all walks of life who are genuinely anxious about how they will kit out their kids again this year.
“So, we felt it was essential that we launch our free school uniform exchange as soon as possible – so that parents have at least one less thing to worry about throughout the school holidays.”
This summer’s free school uniform exchange follows The Leith Collective’s winter coat exchange which received an overwhelming response, with over 7,000 coats donated and collected by locals.
People can donate and collect items at The Leith Collective in Ocean Terminal, Fort Kinnaird, and the St Enoch Centre during opening hours. No tights or socks can be accepted but all other good quality school items are welcome.
The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal Ocean Drive, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 11am – 6pm, and Sunday 11am – 5pm.
Ocean Terminal has agreed a long-term lease with Club 3000 Bingo, the UK’s largest independent bingo operator, which will see a new purpose-built, state-of-the-art club open at the centre next year.
Once the new club is built, Club 3000 Bingo will move from its current Edinburgh venue in Manderston Street to the new 27,500 sq ft unit on the ground floor of the Leith waterfront shopping centre.
The family-run business is investing an estimated £5m in the new club to create a modern and luxurious environment that will complement Ocean Terminal’s existing mix of retail, leisure and hospitality outlets.
Following the extension of the Edinburgh Tram network to Newhaven, and at the heart of Leith’s regeneration, Club 3000 Bingo forms a part of Ocean Terminal’s major redevelopment as a ‘town centre’ for the local community.
The £250m 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.
Brian Fraser, Founder of Fraser Capital Management Ltd/Club 3000 Bingo, which operate 23 bingo clubs across the UK said: “We are really excited to be involved in this new project and look forward to opening our new club next year to add to our growing portfolio.
“It promises to be one of the best clubs ever developed in the UK.”
Chris Richardson, Managing Director of Ambassador Investments Ltd, the Scottish owner of Ocean Terminal, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Club 3000 Bingo to Ocean Terminal.
“Its modern approach to creating an environment for a great night out fits seamlessly with our wider leisure offering and we look forward to the club opening its doors next year. We have ambitious plans for the centre and Club 3000’s long-term commitment to Ocean Terminal is a tremendous seal of approval for what lies ahead.”
Donald Syme who acted for the landlord added: “Leith is undergoing a huge regeneration, with more housing, transport links and businesses opening up. In its new location at Ocean Terminal, Club 3000 Bingo will enjoy a growing and thriving community.
“We’re looking forward to working with Brian and his team to make this one of the best bingo clubs in Scotland.”
Culture and business will be able to connect in new and exciting ways thanks to the launch of a new Marketplace initiative, pioneered by Culture and Business Scotland (C&BS).
The Culture & Business Marketplace Scotland is the first-of-its-kind online platform that will match up businesses looking to expand their creative horizons with culture organisations seeking support in delivering their creative ideas.
A range of Scottish creative organisations have already committed to participating in the Marketplace pilot, including household names such as the Scottish Book Trust, Scottish Ensemble, Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Screen Education Edinburgh.
Launching today (Wednesday May 17) the platform will work similarly to a database, where these pilot not-for-profit culture organisations will be able to list their products or services as ‘sellers’.
Businesses, or potential ‘buyers’, will then browse the available opportunities using filters such as ‘supporting innovation, creative thinking and problem solving in the workplace’ and ‘improving staff health and wellbeing’ to find culture organisations that would be well-suited to fit a gap, combat an existing challenge or fulfil a specific target.
David Watt, CEO of Culture & Business Scotland, said: “Past experiences have shown us that giving businesses and culture organisations the opportunity to forge meaningful connections is hugely empowering, not only for those organisations involved but for wider society as well, and the impacts have the potential to reverberate for generations to come.
“The launch of our Marketplace initiative will increase those opportunities, both in number and in scope, and help to ensure that organisations from both sectors are equipped for a more innovative, forward-thinking future.”
Being given the opportunity to connect and receive backing from businesses can be transformational for creative organisations. In 2021 the Edinburgh-based Living Memory Association partnered with Leith’s Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre through Culture & Business Scotland’s already established match-funding scheme, the C&BS Fund, a precursor to the Marketplace initiative.
The funding enabled Living Memory Association to make use of two vacant units as exhibition spaces. The initial offering of two units grew to include the use of a whole empty 6000 square metre store across two floors, which the Living Memory Association used to facilitate reminiscence as a means of engaging people with heritage, recording their memories and combatting loneliness and social isolation in the process.
The community-focused nature of Ocean Terminal’s location enabled the organisation to reach a wider audience than would have otherwise been possible, raising the Living Memory Association’s profile and creating a positive snowball effect, as it was then able to attract further funding and opportunities.
Ocean Terminal, meanwhile, benefitted from the increased footfall into what would have otherwise been an abandoned space, with the resulting added social value surpassing expectations and generating positive impacts in ways that the retail centre had previously not experienced.
Mark Haywood, Living Memory Association Director, said: “This has been a phenomenal partnership for The Living Memory Association and investment from Culture & Business Scotland made it possible.
“It has raised the profile of The Living Memory Association, led us into new areas of work and allowed us to support a whole range of fascinating artistic and heritage endeavour. It has meant we can support individuals and groups to showcase and develop their work and bring them into direct contact with the public.
“We have used the new units to engage people and work with older people to record their memories and value their life experience. All activities are free, taking art and heritage straight into the heart of the community. We are extremely grateful to Culture & Business Scotland and Ocean Terminal for their support to our work”.
Michelle MacLeod, Ocean Terminal Manager, added: “We could not have believed that this partnership would be so socially and economically beneficial to The Centre and we hope to be able to further develop this collaboration going into the future and incorporating this work into the new developments currently underway at Ocean Terminal.”
Funding facilitated by Culture & Business Scotland has also enabled creative organisations to make scientific ideas accessible through the arts, as Edinburgh Science Foundation discovered after being partnered with Cirrus Logic through the C&BS Fund.
As a leading global semiconductor supplier, Cirrus Logic’s commitment to promoting science, technology, engineering, and maths amongst young people underpins the company’s support of the Edinburgh Science Festival. Last year, sponsorship from Cirrus Logic enabled the creation of several new activities at the festival, helping to encourage awareness about Scottish flora and fauna through a photography exhibition and multi-sensory, immersive experiences which incorporated visual and artistic elements.
Subsequent analysis of the event found that its messaging around climate change and the natural world impacted on visitors’ behaviour and attitudes, whilst Cirrus Logic benefitted from the comprehensive marketing and publicity activity surrounding the festival.
For more information on the Culture & Business Marketplace Scotland, please visit:
