Tag: Ocean Terminal

Heart of Newhaven update

Welcome to your November Newsletter

For those of you expecting to hear more about the Friendship Benches project, and perhaps even see some of the finished benches, prepare to be disappointed. Bad weather on the chosen weekend meant the decorating work could not go ahead outside as planned and has had to be postponed.

We’ll keep you updated on a revised timetable and let you know when the results can be seen.

Talking of delays, yet more problems with getting the new Victoria Primary School building ready for pupils, has meant that the earliest the Heart can expect to be in possession of the keys to the old site is now January 2022. We will of course update you when we have a more concrete timeline to share.

In the meantime however, time does not stand still.  There is always work going on behind the scenes with the Trustees and volunteers, and new Working Groups are being formed to help make the transition from community vision to community reality.

These groups will be dealing with practical working arrangements for the site, community projects, and communications and marketing. If you would like to help out in any way, please use the Volunteering page on the website to get in touch.

Projects of course are always underway, despite Covid, especially as we ease out of full lockdown.

We recently collaborated with an exhibition entitled Forth Reflections, which was held in Ocean Terminal. Collaborators were Edinburgh Wellbeing PACT and the Forth/Edinburgh Shoreline Project.

This was an exhibition of crafted calico squares made by local residents, who used the squares to highlight a particular stretch of the Forth coast that meant something special to them.

They were used creatively to highlight concerns about pollution but also to illustrate the importance of living near water and how it helps individual well-being. On hand to talk to visitors were some of the Heart’s Trustees and collaborators, who discussed what well-being, one of the Heart’s main community objectives, means and how it can be improved.

Here’s what some of the visitors said:

“Living near the sea, walking, wandering with that Scottish sea breeze, gives me life and energy and reminds me to breathe.”

“I love to look at the ocean because you can lose yourself there.”

“Such pleasure taken in lockdown walking by the sparkling sea, such sadness at the pollution.”

There was more support also, for the Heart of Newhaven Community project as a whole:

“I think the Heart of Newhaven is a very good idea for people to have somewhere to go after we have all been in isolation for so long and it will be very positive to move on.”

“There is a great need of places to go that are suitable for people with disabilities. During lockdown there was nowhere to go and it’s taking time for people to feel comfortable about going out again.”

“The Newhaven area needs a community centre – there is nothing like that here.”

It is exciting to be able to report that the Heart is one of six designated community hubs along the banks of the Forth chosen to host exhibitions and activities associated with the wider Restoration Forth programme.

Restoration Forth has obtained a substantial grant for the many facets it involves, including the restoration of seagrass beds which provide the right habitat for, among other things, the oysters that used to be so plentiful in the Firth.

You can read more about the project and the new funding here:

Seagrass meadows and oysters being restored in major Firth of Forth marine restoration project

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-herald-1130/20211027/281797107205661

Heart of Newhaven Community is happy to be actively collaborating with such exciting initiatives and even more will be taking place once we’re in our new home.

Remember as ever, to check the Heart of Newhaven Community website and social media for any updates or news.

Forth Reflections at Ocean Terminal this Friday

Curious about plans for a new multi generational community hub (The Heart) in Newhaven?

Join The Heart of Newhaven at Ocean Terminal on Friday 22 October 2-4pm for a chat and an exhibition called ‘Forth Reflections and Expressions of Wellbeing.’

The art work, produced as part of the Edinburgh Shoreline project, is created from the passionate responses of over a hundred people to a 1km stretch of the Forth coastline that is special to them.

A storyline of memories and visions of the Forth has emerged, linking the Fife, Edinburgh and East Lothian coasts, biodiversity, people and communities.

As the nights draw in …

Heart of Newhaven’s October newsletter

All about project updates …


Our friendship benches are now being decorated!

On October 8th, a group of older and younger people  from the New Spin intergenerational project at the Citadel will decorate the first of our six friendship benches, all of which have been made by Mens Shed.

The New Spin group will be working with local artist Johnathan Elders to create patterns for the backs of the bench. Further benches will be decorated in further sessions, so each will be unique. The project is being run with the help of Thrive, to celebrate World Mental Health Day on 10th October.

Fruit tree planting in Victoria Park

Our Greening Team have been busy with plans for the area and pupils from Trinity High and Trinity Primary Schools will be helping to plant some young fruit trees in Victoria Park this winter to enhance the area, by adding beauty, interest and biodiversity.

There are already a couple of small trees in situ, so those will be added to, to create a mini orchard. The trees will be Scottish heritage fruit trees, specially chosen for the site, and will include apple, pear and plum. 

Each one will have its own protective cage, provided by Edinburgh City Council, and the pupils will learn from a Royal Botanic Gardens representative how best to plant and care for them.

We hope to work on more tree-planting and wilding projects in the future, not just in the parks but in the more built-up parts of our neighbourhood, where urban nature needs some encouragement. 

 Keep abreast of the latest news on our Greening Page

Environment Page


And more on green issues

The Heart of Newhaven Community was assessed by It’s Your Neighbourhood, part of the Keep Scotland Beautiful charity recently, and despite it only being the first year of our association with them, we have scored a Level 3, (out of five) which means we are “advancing”.

The score was helped by having achieved our goal of funding from the Scottish Land Fund to acquire the site, as well as successfully engaging with a variety of local communities and groups. Well done everyone involved. The next level is “thriving” and the top level is “outstanding”. How long will it be?

Forth Reflections

On October 22nd from 2pm – 4 pm we are collaborating with an exhibition in the main entrance to Ocean Terminal called ‘Forth Reflections and Expressions of Wellbeing’. The event is being organised in conjunction with the Edinburgh Wellbeing PACT and the Forth/Edinburgh Shoreline Project.

Conceived during the dark days of winter lockdown this project is the passionate responses of well over a hundred different people to a part of the Forth coast that is special to them.

A long storyline of enmeshed crafted memories and visions of the Forth has emerged, linking the Fife, Edinburgh and East Lothian coasts, biodiversity, people and communities.

Each participant expressed their response to their chosen 1km of coast on a calico square and many people have focused on the coast’s local history and wildlife, its beauty and diversity and the many species and memories that have been and are still being lost. While frustration and anger can be seen in many pieces about marine and intertidal pollution, there is also heartfelt hope for the future.

We hope that as many people as possible will call in and have a chat. Not only will it be an opportunity to talk to us about our plans for the Heart in general but we also want to have conversations about wellbeing and what it means to each of us in our community. As inspiration we will be displaying a selection of the calico squares created by local people.

Call in to see the display and have a chat.

Keep watching our website and social media platforms for the latest news, as we await the move of Victoria Primary School pupils to their new home and the handover of the keys for the site from Edinburgh City Council to the Heart.

Ocean Terminal launches online public exhibition

Ocean Terminal has launched an online exhibition to provide local residents with the opportunity to learn more about the proposed redevelopment of the centre and its £100m plans to open up the Leith waterfront for the community.

Put forward by the centre’s Scottish owners, Ambassador Group, the proposal to remodel the 20-year-old centre builds on their vision to create a destination that reflects the needs and aspirations of the people who live and work in Leith and north Edinburgh, adding to the wider regeneration of the area.

With ambitions to maximise the potential of the location with a dramatic streetscape facing the Firth of Forth, Ambassador Group plans to reconfigure the building, with new mixed-used indoor and outdoor space, achieved by the demolition of the existing north multistorey car park and the former Debenhams store.

The exhibition (www.development-oceanterminal.com) is designed to illustrate Ambassador’s strategy for the transformation of the site and will be an opportunity for local people to have their say on the proposals as plans are shaped ahead of the submission of a full planning application early next year.

There will be a chance to put questions to the project team today (Thursday 23 September) between 12 noon and 8pm. The deadline for comments through the feedback form is 8th October.

 A second exhibition, which will present more detailed proposals, is planned for later in the year before a full planning application is submitted to City of Edinburgh Council in early 2022.

Chris Richardson, Managing Director of Ambassador Investments, who is leading the £100m project for Ambassador Group, said: “The regeneration of Leith, with the extension of the tramline to Newhaven and new housing, has allowed us to evolve our ambitions for the centre to create a destination that sits at the heart of this new community.

“Over the pandemic, we’ve seen how local people have relied on Ocean Terminal as a place to connect and with the move towards the idea for 20-minute neighbourhoods, with services, shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities all on the doorstep, there is an opportunity to reimagine the entire space.

“At the same time, and as part of the broader issues that face us, we are committed to climate change mitigation and the promotion of sustainability, in line with City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Government net zero targets, through the use of energy efficient materials and low carbon energy generation. The redevelopment allows us to embrace this going forward.

“The online exhibition is an opportunity for people to understand our approach, to ask questions and offer feedback. We want to hear what people think as we continue to develop the plans.”

OceanTerminal_First_Public_ExhibitionDownload

Non-profit dance studio House of Jack fully reopens!

House of Jack, a not-for-profit community interest organisation, has now fully reopened after 18-months of pandemic restrictions, welcoming back a bigger community than ever before to its dance studio at Ocean Terminal in Leith.

Founded and run by Artistic Director Ashley Jack and Studio Producer Becky Enoch, with the aim of making dance, and its many physical, social and mental health benefits, as accessible as possible to all, House of Jack dance studio offered multiple online classes free of charge throughout each lockdown. In the process they built an ever expanding global community of young people and adults alike who met regularly online to dance and connect, while the pandemic kept everyone physically apart.

Youngsters joined from not only Edinburgh, but also from further afield in Scotland, and even from around the world, including two children hailing from India.

The parent of one of the children joining from the Isle of Iona said, “The House of Jack zoom classes were a real game changer for my 11 year old daughter during lock down. We live on a small Hebridean island so she hadn’t been able to access the benefits of dance previously.

“Besides all the mental and physical benefits of movement to music, she now has a love of Hip Hop and a new skill and confidence to take through to high school on the mainland.

The first of its kind in the UK, House of Jack dance studio is located inside a shopping centre – Ocean Terminal – with all the benefits that provides its students and the families of its students, including free parking, being fully under cover, and with numerous shops, restaurants and further leisure opportunities in the same building.

Ashley said: “We have a strong belief in the power of dance to connect people, build confidence and self-esteem while creating outlets for expression, and have strived to create a studio that is as welcoming as possible, with something for everyone regardless of age or level of experience.

“As a non-profit, fees are kept to an absolute minimum and participation in annual shows is always free for all children, including rehearsals and costumes, to remove as far as possible any financial barriers to taking part.”

Over the pandemic, House of Jack CIC secured generous funding from The National Lottery via Creative Scotland which allowed the studio to offer totally free, live and online world-class dance training and invaluable Q&A sessions with renowned dancers from around the world, even including LA-based Marty Kudelka (Justin Timberlake’s exclusive choreographer), Jaja Vankova (Step Up 5, So You Think You Can Dance), Deydey (the first female World Popping Champion), and many more.

A House of Jack regular who attended the Marty Kudelka workshop said, “Yesterday was a dream come true. Thank you so much to Mr Kudelka for taking the time to share his amazing talents and skills [and t]hank you to House of Jack for being able to put this on and having us learn from literally one of the dance industry greats!“

Becky added: “Between major lockdowns, while the studio was able to open to small numbers of under-18s, some of the local children who had attended online finally met for the first time at in-person studio classes, while adults classes continued via Zoom.

“What made such a difference, however, was that we were able to find new ways to connect, whether through the Q&A sessions with famous choreographers or by creating dance videos.

“In the run up to Christmas 2020, instead of the studio’s usual big theatre Christmas Show, we created Christmas-themed videos for each children’s class, something for the children to focus on and have fun with and for the parents to view and keep, in the absence of a show DVD!” 

Now reopened fully, with waiting area and changing rooms again, the focus in the studio remains firmly on safety, keeping class numbers to a safe level, giving everyone plenty of space and following all guidelines.  The Ocean Terminal studio is buzzing again with a renewed sense of hope that everyone can dance to a better future.

Irvine Welsh backs ‘magnificent’ Old Leith Rediscovered project

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £90,100 to The Living Memory Association to create a unique experience of the streets, buildings and people of old Leith. The project, named Old Leith Rediscovered, is a collaboration between the Living Memory Association and Spirit of Leithers Facebook page.

The Living Memory Association, in partnership with The Spirit of Leithers, is excited to be opening a second Wee Museum of Memory in Ocean Terminal later this month which will be dedicated to the project. The new venue will also have a walk-in exhibition space to celebrate the memories, places and people of Leith.

Much of old Leith was swept away as part of Edinburgh’s ‘improvements’ of the 1920s and 1960s and knowledge of what was lost now relies mainly on old street maps and photographs.

One of these maps, a Fire Insurance Plan dating to 1892, records significant details, such as building footprints, construction materials, number of storeys, room arrangements and function, location of doors and windows, and much, much more. For an example showing the old Kirkgate, see here.

Using a digital copy of this map created by the National Library of Scotland, Old Leith Rediscovered will add a wealth of information, including hundreds of surviving images scattered across numerous collections, to bring the historic townscape of Leith to life.

The project team conceived of Old Leith Rediscovered during lockdown as a way to celebrate the history of Leith and her people, to foster a pride and inquisitiveness about Leith’s past, and to provide a focus for Leithers to share memories and stories of days gone by. The interactive web-based map of Leith will be published online at the end of 2022.

Miles Tubb, Project Co-Ordinator, The Wee Museum of Memory, said: “We are thrilled to have received funding for this exciting project, which will link these wonderful historical maps with the Leith community.

“We are especially delighted to be working in partnership with Spirit of Leithers Facebook page, National Library of Scotland and Ocean Terminal. Our Wee Museum of Memory has been based in Ocean Terminal for over 7 years and this new unit dedicated to memories of Leith will bring different generations together to learn about the rich history of the Leith community.

Christopher Fleet, Map Curator at the National Library of Scotland, added: “We are delighted to be associated with this project, which will integrate our maps with related historical information, including photographs and oral history resources.

“Maps present the past in one of its most engaging forms, allowing endless insights into what was there, and into how people lived and worked. Moreover the plans that form a focus of this project are one of the most detailed types of urban mapping ever surveyed of places such as Leith.

“We are thrilled that this project has been funded, as it will provide new ways of enjoying and understanding the maps, as well as gathering new information for further research.”

Irvine Welsh, author of the Leith-based classic novel Trainspotting, said: “In the current age of drab uniformity, as manifest in our urban architecture and design, where modern construction renders everything generic, it’s important to remember the richness in the heritage of places like the great port of Leith.

“Thanks to this magnificent project, Leithers old and new can now immerse in the vibrant community of bygone days. As Bob Marley once said ‘in this great future you can’t forget your past…’ So we can now connect with where we came from, which you have to be able to do in order to truly know where you are going.”

Fraser Parkinson, administrator of Spirit of Leithers Facebook page, said: “Our page is dedicated not just to buildings and streets but to the people of Leith who have come before and are here today.

“This project is another huge step in building bridges across the globe between all those who wear their association with Leith as a badge of honour. We look forward to welcoming visitors and hearing from them at the new Spirit of Leithers and Living Memory Association unit at Ocean Terminal.”

Let’s Talk Waste: Saving the Planet in just six minutes!

Share sustainability hacks at The Leith Collective’s ‘Let’s Talk Waste’ event 

The climate is in crisis and every second counts. But what if all it took was just 6 minutes of your time to help turn things around? Local Edinburgh businesses, artists, and makers are being invited to give just a few minutes of their time to share their top tips at a special ‘Let’s Talk Waste’ event in the capital later this month.

Brought to you by The Leith Collective – crafters, makers, artists and business owners will come together on Thursday 23rd September to discuss ways in which they are reducing their waste and making a difference.

Taking place at Ocean Terminal, the evening will feature a diverse range of speakers; from a maker who creates unique works of art from items otherwise destined for landfill, to a sustainable refill shop, Weigh To Go, and local plant shop, Seb’s Urban Jungle.

The timing of the event is perfect, falling in the middle of Recycle Week, running 20th – 26th September, the aim of which is to galvanise the public into recycling more of the rights things, more often.

It also comes just a month ahead of the crucial COP26 summit which The Leith Collective’s founder, Sara Thomson, will be attending as one of 13 specially selected One Step Greener ambassadors. Her role there will be to share how she is doing her bit to tackle climate change and inspire others to follow suit. 

Commenting ahead of ‘Let’s Talk Waste’, Sara Thomson explained: “The event is part of The Leith Collective’s ongoing sustainability campaign which aims to encourage people to reuse, recycle and relove everyday items, and we wanted to open up the platform to as many local businesses and artists as possible to help spread the message of sustainability far and wide. 

“Knowledge is power, and by sharing inspirational stories and exchanging top tips in this accessible, easy-to-digest 6-minute format, everyone can learn something new, and together we can make a massive difference.”

EVENT INFORMATION

‘Let’s Talk Waste’ will take place at the ex GAP store on the Ground Floor level of Ocean Terminal on Thursday 23rd September, 6pm – 8:30pm. The event is free to attend and refreshments will be provided.

Adult Education Art Course enrolling now

We have a few places available in an adult education outdoor art course that will offer some weather protection as it is based at Ocean Terminal, with indoor and outdoor opportunities, great views, lots of ventilation, social distancing and a lovely friendly tutor. 

The course is running on 21st and 28th September from 10.30-1.30pm (3 hours each session). Enrolments must be made by Tuesday 14th September so please act quickly and please spread the word.


You can book by going onto www.joininedinburgh.org or using this link: https://www.joininedinburgh.org/activity/18183/

Fees are £24.75 for the standard fee and £15 for senior citizens, students and people receiving benefits. 

It is a great way to ease back into adult education courses (which we hope will be back soon) and will offer an opportunity to have some technique demonstration and support for your creativity to progress, whether a complete beginner or someone who has been sketching for years. 

The tutors work can be reviewed on her website: 

http://www.jennylupton.com/about.htm

Information on the course: 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS:

No entry requirements and everyone welcome! The course will be based at Ocean Terminal, with access to an outdoor area as well as an indoor shop floor with plenty of space for social distancing – so you can choose to be outdoors and indoors during the time.  The views are excellent and lots of exciting scenarios to sketch.

OVERVIEW / INTRODUCTION TO COURSE:

A chance to sketch outdoors in companionable quiet with as much or as little tutor input as desired, a loose course structure devised to gently stretch your abilities with a suggested (but ultimately optional) focus, technique and/ or medium each week, the opportunity to get peer and tutor feedback (again, if desired) or to just enjoy yourself.

HOW THE COURSE WILL BE TAUGHT: 

See above. A loose structure with suggested foci and media but lots of choice and flexibility to reflect varied student needs and interests.


WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT TO LEARN: 

Students will be provided with support to develop their own style, through guidance on techniques and feedback from the tutor.


RESOURCES / ADDITIONAL COSTS REQUIRED BY STUDENTS:  

Art students need to provide- a decent quality sketchpad, A3 size, with a minimum paper weight of 90 mcg; sketching pencils of preferred density (2B minimum suggested); bottle of water for wet media; optional watercolours/ watercolour pencils/ oil bar/ dry pastels/ charcoal/ sketching pens/ acrylic paints/ brushes; a sun hat and sun cream or waterproof jacket depending on the forecast comfortable and practical footwear; water bottle; hand sanitiser; a folding camping stool or small cushion for sitting on; snack (optional).

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES: 

See above for sun hat, sun cream, hand sanitiser, kitchen or toilet roll for tidying up wet materials and spillages.  Please sharpen pencils in advance or use pencil sharpeners rather than Stanley knives or other blades to lessen the likelihood of needing the First Aid box! 

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN BAD WEATHER: 

Course will go ahead.

‘Transformational redevelopment’ planned for Ocean Terminal

Ocean Terminal has submitted a pre-application notice with the City of Edinburgh Council for a transformational redevelopment that will see the 20-year-old centre open up to the waterfront. The vision is to create a destination that reflects the needs and aspirations of the people who live and work in Leith.

Having purchased the shopping centre in March 2020 because of its significant potential, Scottish owners, Ambassador Group, have used insights gained over the past eighteen months to advance plans to turn Ocean Terminal into a gateway to the waterfront for the local community, adding to the wider regeneration of Leith.

The new masterplan for the site includes a new mixed-use space that maximises the location and aspect on to the Firth of Forth, created at a new linked entrance to the centre. Reflecting the change in people’s priorities post-pandemic, the proposal promises a mix of indoor and outdoor space achieved by the demolition of the existing north multistorey car park and the former Debenhams store to allow the remaining building to be reconfigured with updated spaces for new commercial opportunities facing a dramatic streetscape to the waterfront.

There will be a consolidation of Ocean Terminal’s recent shift in strategy to attract and retain tenants that are aligned to local and national policy objectives supporting ‘20-minute neighbourhoods’.

Complementing the continuing regeneration of Leith which has seen new homes, schools and businesses emerge, the proposals support local jobs while also cementing Leith’s distinct appeal as a popular choice for visitors to the Capital.

The final stage of the masterplan is to introduce a mix of much-needed housing on the waterfront, integrating with the trams to Newhaven extension and new local amenities, to add to the vibrancy of the local community and the sustainability of the local economy.

Following the submission of the Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) today (18th August, 2021), Ocean Terminal will now conduct public consultation beginning with an online exhibition set to go live on 23rd September.

A full planning application is expected in early 2022, with a view to start works later that year.

The redevelopment represents an investment of more than £100 million.

Chris Richardson is the managing director for Ambassador Investments, which is responsible for developing a range of residential properties and commercial buildings across Scotland, all of which have industry leading environmental credentials.

He said: “We’re planning a transformational redevelopment that will finally realise Ocean Terminal’s potential as a leading waterfront destination, whilst placing the changing priorities of residents, businesses, visitors and shoppers centre stage.

“The retail industry and the local environment has evolved significantly in recent years and this redevelopment will create a sustainable destination that people will continue to enjoy for years to come.

“This is an exciting time for Ocean Terminal, and we look forward to sharing that vision as we move forward.”

Ambassador Group has a vision for Ocean Terminal which has been advanced and adapted over the course of the pandemic. Having seen how local people want to interact with the centre and the need for public space, it is clear that Ocean Terminal is an important part of Leith and the area’s regeneration story. 

The firm’s vision is for a sustainable place for shopping, relaxing, working and living that will make the most of the centre’s unique waterfront location and fully embraces new environmental standards.

Throughout, there is a commitment to climate change mitigation and the promotion of sustainability, in line with Edinburgh City Council and Scottish Government net zero targets, through the use of energy efficient materials and low carbon energy generation.

Having already spoken with many of those with an interest in the success of Ocean Terminal, the early feedback has been very positive. The proposed redevelopment will happen carefully in distinct phases to ensure a smooth realisation of the vision. That includes a focus on continuity and consistency for existing tenants and other users of Ocean Terminal, while plans are put in place.

Ambassador Group has appointed the following advisers on the project: planning consultants, Turley, building surveyors, PMP, and architects, Keppie Design.

Police step up Ocean Terminal patrols to tackle increase in antisocial behaviour

Police officers will be carrying out focused patrols following a recent increase in antisocial behaviour at Ocean Terminal

Community Inspector Colin Fordyce of Craigmillar Police Station said: “We’ve seen an increase in antisocial behaviour incidents at Ocean Terminal recently involving groups of youths.

“One of our priorities in Edinburgh is dealing with disorder and antisocial behaviour. We will be focusing our patrols in and around Ocean Terminal to tackle the issue with a zero tolerance approach. Enforcement action will be taken if anyone is identified as being involved in any criminal behaviour.

“Our local residents and businesses have had a tough enough time recently, and it’s not acceptable for them to have to put up with the reckless behaviour of a small minority of youths intent on causing trouble.

“I ask that all parents and carers speak with their children and young people about the impact that antisocial behaviour has on others.

“If you see any criminality in the area, call 101, or 999 in an emergency to help us hold offenders to account. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”