Tag: regeneration

McEwan development completed in Fountainbridge

Moda and Apache Capital’s The McEwan development completes with 139 new homes and amenities at the city’s top rated rental neighbourhood

Moda, The McEwan, the 476-home rental neighbourhood in Edinburgh’s historic Fountainbridge district has marked the completion of its final phase.

Located on the site of the former McEwan’s Brewery, Moda, The McEwan is rated the number one BTR neighbourhood in the city on BTR review site Homeviews, with 139 new homes opening the doors to their new residents. 

Spanning 140,000 sq ft, the completed development offers 15,000 sq ft of best-in-class amenities, including a 24/7 gym and fitness centre, private dining room, co-working spaces, cinema room, and rooftop terraces with sweeping views of Edinburgh Castle – all included as part of the monthly rent.

Additionally, all Moda residents benefit from access to the MyModa app from day one, allowing them to connect with neighbours, message the concierge, and book exclusive events and services from a tap on their phone. 

Located in the heart of the capital, The McEwan is conveniently located within walking distance of Haymarket station, the city centre and several major universities, offering excellent connectivity for residents studying or working in Edinburgh.

The development was also the first building in Europe to achieve the highest, 3-star Fitwel rating, demonstrating Moda’s commitment to maximising the health and wellbeing of its residents and the wider Edinburgh community.

The neighbourhood was the first development in Scotland to be brought forward by Moda and its funding partner Apache Capital with its investors Harrison Street and NFU Mutual. Robertson Construction Central East has completed the final phase of the remaining 139 high-quality rental homes.

These add to the existing mix of studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, ideal for a mixed demographic who make renting their tenure of choice.

Delivery of the neighbourhood’s second phase generated £32.8m of social, local and economic value, with almost £17m spend with SMEs and £18m spent with a local supply chain.

The build generated 419 weeks of on-site apprenticeship training, with 244 local people employed on the site. Robertson also achieved the highest possible Considerate Constructors Scheme score while on site, with a 45/45.

Both phases of the neighbourhood were funded by Apache Capital with its investors Harrison Street and NFU Mutual.

Delivered in partnership with Robertson, the neighbourhood is a key part of the wider regeneration of Fountainbridge, set to revitalise a historic part of Edinburgh with new homes, public spaces, and opportunities for the local community.

With practical completion now achieved, the new homes already have their first residents in situ.

Tony Brooks, Executive Chairman at Moda Living said: “Reaching practical completion at Moda, The McEwan is a landmark moment, and we’re grateful to Robertson, Apache Capital and its investment partners and other stakeholders for helping to deliver the second phase of this fantastic neighbourhood.

 “We’re proud to be playing a role in the regeneration of Fountainbridge and to be welcoming residents into this already dynamic community, designed with health, wellbeing and community in mind, that makes it more than an apartment but a home.”

Jamie Snary, Executive Director Asset Management and Operations at Apache Capital said: “The McEwan is another exemplar BTR asset forming part of our prime regional portfolio, bringing another 139 homes into operation adding to the 6,000 units which are either operational or in the development pipeline.

“Alongside welcoming our new residents we have also secured the first commercial occupiers including a convenience-led retailer which will be opening imminently.”

Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said: “Working closely with Moda, we’ve brought new life to a once underused part of the city to create a thriving neighbourhood that has become a welcome addition to Edinburgh.

“This project gave us the opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in operating safely in complex, busy environments while not compromising the quality standards that Robertson is known for.

“A real focus of our approach was to ensure that we provided long-lasting benefits for the local economy and community throughout construction. It’s fantastic that we achieved this by supporting local suppliers, creating jobs, and offering apprenticeships that will help build skills for the future.”

Regenerating Glasgow’s industrial heart

High value businesses to boost growth and tackle poverty

New jobs will be created and derelict sites regenerated in Glasgow’s former industrial heartland with the help of funding announced by First Minister John Swinney.

Urban regeneration company Clyde Gateway is to receive £3.5 million to support the continued redevelopment of the former Shawfield Chemical Works site into a hub for high value manufacturing businesses.

It is part of the company’s ongoing plan to develop homes, hotels and business premises on land equivalent in size to 130 football pitches in Rutherglen and the East End of Glasgow.

The First Minister made the announcement ahead of a visit to the Innovation Shawfield, another Clyde Gateway regeneration scheme, where he will see Scotland’s first renewable district heating system of its kind. The site is expected to become one of the largest office parks in the UK and the heating system, which is also capable of cooling buildings, will provide occupants with low-cost energy.

The project has been supported by £660,000 from the Scottish Government and sees power generated from sources including solar and heat pumps.

The First Minister said: “Regenerating our industrial heartlands of the 20th century is an integral part of transforming Scotland’s economy in the 21st and Clyde Gateway is a shining example of what can achieved. Its ambition is creating jobs, improving communities and tackling poverty.

“I am delighted to be able to announce funding to help it continue that work and also to see first-hand this innovative project which will provide affordable green energy to businesses. This part of Glasgow has a proud industrial past and the Scottish Government is determined that it will have a strong economic future.

“I want to see these benefits continue to spread across Scotland and this financial year we are providing £62.15 million towards regeneration projects that will revitalise town centres, derelict sites and green spaces.”

Martin Joyce, Executive Director for Regeneration at Clyde Gateway, said: “This £3.5 million investment will accelerate our efforts to transform the East End of Glasgow and Rutherglen.

“Working alongside the Scottish Government and other key partners, we have already remediated nearly 750 acres of contaminated land, supported the creation of more than 8,000 jobs and delivered 4,000 much needed new homes, helping to build vibrant communities where people can live, work and play.”

The Scottish Government has supported Clyde Gateway’s regeneration programme with more than £200 million since 2007.

Albany House: Planning Application submitted for 102-bedroom Hotel

Regeneration specialist Artisan Real Estate has submitted a planning application to the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) to transform a sandstone office building on the edge of Edinburgh’s New Town into a sustainable 102-bedroom city centre hotel.

The current occupiers of Albany House, located at 58 Albany Street on the corner of the capital’s Broughton Street, are relocating to new offices in the city centre later this year.  The five-storey building was constructed in the 1980s and was designed to reflect the adjacent Georgian neoclassical town houses along Albany Street.

Artisan have agreed terms with Whitbread to operate the completed hotel under its popular hub by Premier Inn brand.  The proposals will retain much of the external structure of the building whilst replacing the top floor facade with a contemporary new cladding and finish to meet current building standards.  

Internally, the hotel’s design specification will meet high environmental and sustainability standards, with air-sourced heat pump technology replacing the existing fossil fuel water system.

Artisan Real Estate has an established track record of delivering innovative hotel development in architecturally sensitive city centre locations.

This includes three hotels as part of the award-winning New Waverley development in the heart of the Edinburgh’s Old Town – including partnering with Whitbread to deliver a Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn.

Most recently, the developer has completed the transformation of Glasgow’s historic Clydeside Custom House into a new hotel quarter.

Welcoming the submission of the planning application, Artisan’s Managing Director for Scotland, David Westwater, said: “This design proposal will bring continued interest and investment to a vibrant corner of Edinburgh’s eastern city centre.

“The existing sandstone building is well-suited to hotel development with high levels of natural daylight and an established entrance area.

“We are pleased to be once again working with Whitbread to create a modern and contemporary interior providing the high levels of insulation and energy technology, delivering both a sustainable and attractive addition to Edinburgh’s successful hospitality sector.

“Albany House is the latest in a succession of high-profile planning proposals delivered by Artisan in Edinburgh’s city centre during the last 12 months and reinforces our stated commitment to bring substantial investment coupled with high quality development to the heart of Scotland’s capital.”

Whitbread currently welcomes close to a million visitors to its established network of hotels within the City of Edinburgh Council area. The business calculates its guests staying at these hotels generate more than £32 million in visitor expenditure to the Edinburgh economy every year.

Jill Anderson, Acquisitions Manager for Whitbread, added: “Premier Inn has been part of Edinburgh’s hospitality scene for more than 30 years. 

“We’re incredibly proud to have built a network of popular, good-value hotels across the city, and we see great potential for further investment given that budget hotels like Premier Inn account for just 20% of the city’s bedroom stock.

“The hub by Premier Inn brand is designed to appeal to budget, short-stay travellers.  It offers all the comfort, consistency, and reliability of Premier Inn, but with a smaller bedroom, and the format allows us to offer great-value rooms in the most connected and interesting city centre locations.

“Albany House is an excellent location for us, and I am very pleased to be working with Artisan to expand our footprint in the city in a sustainable way through the proposed conversion of the 1980s office building.”

Artisan Real Estate was founded in 2009 as an independent, entrepreneurial, values-led property developer and investor operating primarily in key regional city centre locations across the UK – including Scotland and the north of England.

During the last 16 years, Artisan has established itself as one of the UK’s most progressive and respected commercial and residential developers, specialising in transforming complex sites in sensitive urban locations into residential, commercial, leisure and mixed-use quarters.

The Albany House planning proposal follows Artisan’s successful application to transform the city’s historic Caledonian Brewery into a new residential neighbourhood which received planning consent from CEC in May 2025.

The developer is also progressing with the homes-led regeneration of a vacant office block on the city’s Ferry Road, to the north of the city centre.

For more information about Artisan Real Estate, visit: www.artisanrealestate.co.uk

Friday is deadline day for North Edinburgh Community Benefits Fund

£10,000 Community Fund launched to support North Edinburgh organisations

  • Cruden delivers new grant opportunity as part of wider Granton Waterfront regeneration

A new £10,000 Community Benefits Fund, supported by Cruden and the City of Edinburgh Council, is open for applications. The flexible funding pot is available to third sector organisations operating in North Edinburgh, offering the opportunity to apply for financial grants or building and landscaping support to help improve local services and community spaces.

The deadline for applications is this Friday – 25th April.

The fund has been launched in connection with Cruden’s delivery of 143 high-quality, energy-efficient homes for social and mid-market rent at Silverlea – part of the city’s wider regeneration ambitions for Granton Waterfront. The homes will include a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom properties, including wheelchair-accessible accommodation.

Applications for the Community Benefits Fund will be accepted until Friday, April 25, 2025. Organisations can apply for up to £3,000 in grant funding or equivalent Cruden-delivered services (for individual applicants) or up to £5,000 in grant funding or equivalent Cruden-delivered services (for group partnerships).

Cruden has collaborated closely with R2, a network of organisations in North Edinburgh that focuses on partnership working, knowledge sharing, and generating lasting positive change for the local community, to create the fund.

This collaboration has ensured that the fund is closely aligned with the specific needs of the area.

Applications will be assessed based on their alignment with local priorities that promote partnership collaboration and demonstrate a long-term commitment to North Edinburgh. Special emphasis will be placed on initiatives that enhance the local food economy, promote anti-racism efforts, improve green spaces and public areas, and provide support and training for third-sector staff.

Michael Palethorpe, Production and Community Benefit Manager at Cruden, said: “Working closely with the North Edinburgh community, including the incredibly helpful R2 and City of Edinburgh Council, has been essential in shaping a fund that delivers real, lasting impact.

“This initiative ensures that support goes directly to the organisations and groups who are making a tangible difference on the ground. 

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for local people and charities to receive a valuable cash boost or practical support to bring their ideas to life and continue enhancing the area for everyone who lives there.”

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron said: “Community development funds matter hugely because they are a community benefit directly related to new housing being built.

“In addition to much needed new housing, I welcome funding from the developers that contributes to community projects and initiatives.”

The North Edinburgh Community Benefits Fund is part of a larger initiative to ensure that regeneration projects provide lasting value to the communities they serve.

This pilot scheme is administered by the City of Edinburgh Council, with support from local stakeholders, including R2.

New park opens within former Granton gasholder

A new public park officially opened in Edinburgh today as part of the £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront to become a new environmentally friendly coastal town. The Gasholder 1 Park sits within the completely restored gasholder with views over the Firth of Forth.

Council Leader Jane Meagher was joined by Minister for Employment and Investment Tom Arthur, representatives from the main contractor McLaughlin & Harvey, as well as volunteers from Granton Hub and members of Pianodrome, Scran Academy and Craigyroyston Youth Football Club to mark the opening of the park ahead of a family fun day and ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday 5 April.

A club member of the Craigroyston Youth Community Football Club will join the Council Leader to cut the ribbon and officially declare the park open for residents and visitors to enjoy for decades to come.

The entrance of the park is marked with large Hollywood style lettering making it more visible for local people and others visiting to enjoy its open green space and play equipment. It has six different zones including three play areas with a wide range of play equipment.

There is plenty of outdoor space to explore and an inner ring walk going round the outer edges of the frame with a range of places to sit and relax. An outdoor exhibition has also been created which showcases the history of Granton gasworks as well as the restoration process.  

The 1.2 hectare park, set within the restored iconic gasholder frame, was created using £1.2 million from the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme. 

This work followed refurbishment of the frame as well as removal of the historic bell using funding from the UK Government.  The restored and repainted gasholder frame is also now a beacon of light in north Edinburgh as it is lit up permanently after dark.

 A new sculpture now also takes pride of place at the centre of the park, commissioned by the Council last year following input from the local community. Svetland Kondakova Muir designed the piece to portray one of the Firth of Forth’s most special visitors – the humpback whale – the recently completed artwork was put in place last week.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “The Gasholder 1 Park opening is a huge milestone reached for the £1.3bn Granton Waterfront project. It is really inspiring to look out over this important piece of coastal land for our Capital city and see these much needed homes and other facilities literally springing up out of the ground.

 “The new park is a fantastic addition for local communities and the hundreds of new tenants including families who have recently moved into the homes we have built for social and mid-market rent in the area.

“Many of these are on land immediately surrounding the new park and I’m delighted to say that many more homes are being planned or under construction which will be ready for hundreds of new tenants in the next few years.

 “The historic gasholder gives the new park a unique look and feel and it will also be seen for miles around as the restored frame is lit up after dark.

 “This exciting opening follows the restoration of the former Granton Station building and the new public square also created to provide a sense of place for the local community which opened to great fanfare in March 2023. 

“I’m delighted to cut the ribbon on Saturday to open this exciting new space for the local community as well as the thousands of other visitors I’m sure it will attract from Edinburgh and beyond in the years to come.”

 Investment Minister Tom Arthur said: “We have contributed £1.2 million towards transformation of Granton’s Gasholder from a derelict site to a vibrant and accessible space for people to enjoy. 

“This is part of wider efforts to regenerate the Granton area, including a recent project supported by the Scottish Government to transform derelict industrial units at Granton Waterfront into communal spaces. 

“To help communities thrive, we are providing £62.15 million towards regeneration in 2025-26. This will support projects which revitalise green spaces, town centres and derelict sites to benefit people across Scotland.”

UK Government Minister for Local Growth, Alex Norris, said:  “Having visited Granton earlier in the year, it is wonderful to see the new Gasholder 1 Park will be opening this week. This green space will really bring the community together, from young families to elderly residents and visitors to the City.  

 “The refurbishment of the derelict gas holder structure has provided a real beacon of light to Edinburgh, retaining its unique history and character, while wider transformation work is underway to Granton Waterfront.

“This is exactly the kind of collaboration and locally led growth we want to see all across Scotland and the UK in our mission to boost growth and renewal as part of our Plan for Change.”

Graham Brown, Senior Contracts Manager at McLaughlin & Harvey, said: “Gasholder 1 Park was a unique restoration project to deliver for the City of Edinburgh Council.

“In deconstructing the old bell, refurbishing the listed steel structure, and repainting the frame, we have solved complex engineering challenges.

“The ribbon cutting ceremony is a brilliant opportunity for McLaughlin & Harvey to celebrate the vast civil engineering experience of our team as well as the success achieved in our collaboration with our client and supply chain partners.”

The family fun day will include

  • Community singalong with Pianodrome at 11am
  • Ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11.15am with Council Leader Jane Meagher
  • Family arts and craft activities
  • Penalty shoot-outs with Craigroyston Community Youth Football Club
  • Free ice cream
  • Free face painting
  • Exhibition stalls

Hundreds more tenants move into environmentally friendly homes on Granton waterfront

The first tenants have moved into ‘net zero ready’ affordable homes delivered by the Council at Western Villages in Granton Waterfront. Once fully occupied the site will deliver 388 affordable homes, a mixture of social rent and mid-market rent. 

Housing Convener Lezley Marion Cameron and Housing Minister Paul Mclennan visited the partially completed affordable housing development yesterday. 

This follows the first tenants moving into Granton Station View where 75 energy efficient homes for social rent and mid-market rent were delivered in October last year. Work is also well underway to deliver a further 143 affordable ‘net zero ready’ homes at nearby Silverlea. 

A housing emergency was declared in Edinburgh in November 2023 and so the affordable homes at Western Villages built by CCG (Scotland) Ltd on behalf of the Council are much needed.

The homes at Western Villages consist of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, including wheelchair-accessible ground-floor dwellings that will each benefit from stunning parkland and sea views. 

To achieve net zero carbon, the homes were constructed using advanced construction methods to improve thermal performance (and reduce heat loss).

Delivered with an on-site energy centre containing air-source heat pumps and renewable technologies such as solar PV panels, this low carbon heat system and zero emissions strategy was supported by £4.1m of funding from the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme. 

Sustainability credentials will be further enhanced by limited cark parking spaces within the development, provision of Electric Vehicle charging and an increased emphasis on active travel, all in a bid to promote the use of more sustainable modes of transport.

Other innovative features in the development include an underground waste collection system, cycle parking twice the capacity of the residents living there and links to existing and established walking, cycling and wheeling routes. 

This housing forms part of the council’s wider £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront.

The next stage of delivery will get underway later this year with plans for a further 847 net zero ready homes, a new primary school, a low carbon heat network, commercial and retail space and new and upgraded active travel network.

A grant of almost £16m was announced by the Scottish Government last week from their Housing Infrastructure Fund to help part fund some of the upfront site wide infrastructure and enabling required for the next phase.

Housing Convener Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron said: “We’re in the midst of a housing emergency so I’m delighted to see real progress being made to address it with these much-needed homes being delivered in Granton.

“These homes will not only ease our housing shortage, but they will provide individuals and families with comfortable modern homes using the very latest technology to keep energy bills down. 

“I wish everyone moving into Western Villages well. It’s encouraging to know that hundreds of other individuals and families will be moving into these new homes at Granton Waterfront in the months ahead.”

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “It was good to see the first residents at Western Villages moving into their new highly energy efficient social and mid-market rent homes. These have been supported with over £15 million in funding since 2020 from our Affordable Housing Supply Programme. 

“As the First Minister announced last week, a further £15.86 million grant to the City of Edinburgh Council will be provided from our Housing Infrastructure Fund to help support the building of net zero homes at Granton Waterfront in further phases.

“Since 2007, we have delivered more than 135,000 affordable homes including 95,000 for social rent and 26,306 council homes.

“Furthermore, our budget of £768 million for 2025–26 will help to tackle the housing emergency as well as move towards our target of providing 110,000 affordable homes by 2032.”

CCG Director Calum Murray said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Housing Minister to Western Villages today, Scotland’s largest net-zero ready residential development. 

“Not only is the project a flagship for sustainable, all-tenure housing delivery in Edinburgh – including the city’s first-ever, net-zero ready homes for sale by CCG Homes – but it is also a leading example of what can be achieved through collaboration and partnership working. 

“With the use of pioneering construction standards and a legacy of jobs and training, the positive impact of Western Villages will transcend the Granton Waterfront Regeneration, and we look forward to the weeks ahead as we welcome tenants and homeowners alike to this new, coastal community.”

Granton Waterfront: Delivering on affordable homes

Scottish Government funding to support housing infrastructure

A significant project to regenerate the Granton area of Edinburgh has received a grant of almost £16 million to enable the provision of new affordable, energy efficient homes.

Part of the Scottish Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, the grant will allow the City of Edinburgh Council to undertake crucial infrastructure works in preparation for building 847 new homes, including 387 affordable homes.

It is part of a wider package of financial support being developed by the Scottish Government at Granton Waterfront, reflecting the commitment to support seven strategic sites as part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.

First Minister John Swinney visited the development to announce the funding and learn about how the project is progressing. He also had the opportunity to meet apprentices working on the construction site.

The First Minister said: ““Public sector investment in the first phase of Granton Waterfront is estimated to leverage a further £200 million of private sector investment in private housing and the low carbon heat network.

“The 2025-26 Budget has allocated more than £7 billion for infrastructure and £768 million to ramp up action on delivering affordable homes.

“This development at Granton Waterfront is an excellent example of how Scottish Government investment is already delivering across my government’s four priorities – to eradicate child poverty, grow the economy, improve public services and protect the planet.”

Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council Jane Meagher said: “We’re making significant progress at Granton Waterfront, with hundreds of affordable homes underway at both Western Villages and Silverlea. I welcome today’s announcement which comes at a critical time, as our city faces an ongoing housing emergency and a severe shortage of homes.

“This funding forms part of a wider funding package that the Council and Scottish Government continue to develop, allowing the next phase of development in Granton to get underway later this year. This will see further development of much needed new homes, alongside improved infrastructure, and an innovative low-carbon district heating system.

“The regeneration of Granton will not only help to address the housing shortage but also contribute to our broader goal to become net zero by 2030 and by incorporating cutting-edge technologies, residents will benefit from modern, comfortable, energy efficient homes.

“We’re working hard to make Granton somewhere people will want to call home, and this is a great example of the success we can have when governments work together in partnership. I look forward to seeing this progress continue.”

Pioneering £15 million fund launches in Edinburgh, for Edinburgh

Regenerative Futures Fund will help tackle root-causes of poverty, racism and climate change

Edinburgh, like many cities, faces serious and systemic issues of poverty and racism, and these are deeply connected with environmental challenges.

Time after time local charities across the city have proven they are well-placed and able to provide the solutions needed to deliver real impact for their communities, but they are seriously constrained by the existing funding model of short-term cyclical or project funding, lack of trust and lack of understanding.

Launching today, The Regenerative Futures Fund is a pioneering ten-year community fund for Edinburgh that puts decision-making power into the hands of those who are most often excluded.

It supports approaches that improve the lives of local people living in poverty and experiencing racism, and that contribute towards a just, green transition, by enabling equity and power-sharing. 

The fund is specifically designed to step into the space of long term, unrestricted funding, placing trust in communities that they themselves can allocate resources where they are most needed, and where they will make the biggest impact.

The fund also brings together long-term commitments from some of the biggest funders in the country, contributing to and collaborating on the pooled fund, including Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund, The Robertson Trust, Turn2us Edinburgh Trust, Foundation Scotland and crucially City of Edinburgh Council, but completely removes them from the decision-making process. 

Instead, they are  giving local individuals and organisations the agency and the resources they need to create a brighter future for all residents of Edinburgh. 

With nearly £6 million pledged to date, the team is actively inviting others to join the impressive coalition of funders, corporate partners, and philanthropists committed to a just and sustainable Edinburgh to fully realise the ambitious 10-year programme.  

Leah Black, Co-Head said “We have a wealth of incredible organisations in Edinburgh who are passionate and capable of delivering the changes we all need to see but unfortunately the current funding landscape can often stand in their way. 

“Traditional funding programmes do little to address the root causes of poverty and inequality; short timescales, restricted single-issue support and overall, a real lack of trust in the organisations delivering on the ground.  A radical shake up is needed and that is why we are coming together to launch The Regenerative Futures Fund. 

“The Regenerative Futures Fund is different. Collaboratively designed by local people in community organisations, campaigners, funders and the local authority, this £15 million, ten-year pooled fund presents a unique opportunity to support and learn with others to enable a long-term community-led approach to systemic change. 

“We are committed to meaningful, long term and unrestricted funding. This means that organisations will be given the freedom to think and plan for the long-term.”  

Through the fund, grants of up to £100,000 per year will be offered to around 10-15 Edinburgh-based organisations, over 10 years.

Aala Ross, Co-Head said: “The Regenerative Futures Fund directly addresses the huge problem we have with short-termism. Transformative thinking – and doing – requires long-term resource.

“We struggle to think and act long-term due to the dominance of short-term and restricted funding, resulting in ‘sticking plaster’ and siloed solutions to our biggest societal issues.

“We are frustrated with restrictions and barriers of short-term, restrictive and power imbalanced funding for social sector organisations.  We know that this is a funding programme with a difference, and we know that other cities and funders will be watching and we will openly share our learning across the next ten years.”  

Edinburgh City Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Here in Edinburgh we have an ambitious target to end poverty by 2030, and we remain committed to making our city fairer. We know that this isn’t an easy task but we need to be bold and drive the change that is so greatly needed.

“The Regenerative Futures Fund will empower local people and the third sector to directly fight poverty and inequality in our communities. We need a city-wide partnership fund to help us end poverty together. This innovative model is unique to Edinburgh.

“With backing already in place for £6 million, including £100,000 of Council funding, the team is well placed to start working alongside those with firsthand understandings of poverty. This will help make a lasting difference – ensuring their voices are at the heart of decision-making.”

One of Scotland’s biggest funders, The Robertson Trust has contributed £1 million to the Regenerative Futures Fund, the largest award they’ve made in this strategic funding period, and their first ever ten-year award. 

Jim McCormick, Chief Executive of The Robertson Trust said: “The Robertson Trust is committed to preventing and reducing poverty and trauma in Scotland by funding, supporting and influencing solutions to drive social change.

“As an independent funder, we recognise our responsibility to explore new approaches, particularly to address the root causes of poverty, racial injustice and climate risks. Our partners tell us consistently that lasting change cannot be achieved through short-term funding.

“That’s why we were drawn to The Regenerative Futures Fund’s long-term vision, its ambitious cross-sector collaboration, and its deep commitment to shifting power towards people and places with lived experience of these deep-seated challenges.

“Our £1 million award over ten years – the largest and longest commitment of strategy period to date – reflects our commitment to long-term change. We share the Fund’s bold vision and look forward to learning about power-sharing and ambitious collaboration to achieve transformative change in Edinburgh.”

Esmée Fairbairn Foundation have contributed over £500,000 to the Fund.  Gillian Goode, Funding Manager at Esmée Fairbairn Foundation said: “Regenerative Futures Fund is an ambitious vision to reimagine and demonstrate an alternative model of citizen-led change for the City of Edinburgh.

“Communities have no shortage of ideas for how to explore and create innovative solutions and address the inequalities that exclude people from being part of that experience; what they often lack is stable and secure resourcing and the right to decide how best to use it.

“We are grateful and excited to have the opportunity to learn alongside communities, other funders, City of Edinburgh Council, other partners and stakeholders how we might work together differently in future towards sustainable change that can meet everyone’s social and economic needs and safeguard our climate and natural world.”

Independent charity Foundation Scotland is involved as both a key funder and the host of the Fund overall.

Helen Wray, Head of Philanthropy at Foundation Scotland said “This is an ambitious fund that ultimately aims to empower people to play a central role in improving their lives and those of others – to have their voices listened to and be active in shaping their own futures.

“We talk about this kind of approach often, but rarely do we see it so powerfully laid out. The Regenerative Futures Fund has the potential to create a compelling model for others to follow. We will fully support them to make that ambition a reality.”

Eligibility checkers and application details for both the lived experience panel and interested organisations are now live on the Fund website. 

Those interested in contributing to the collaborative pooled fund and building a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for Edinburgh should get in touch with Leah Black: leah@foundationscotland.org.uk

For more information about the Regenerative Futures Fund including eligibility criteria and application information visit https://regenerativefuturesfund.org.uk

Regional growth to be boosted by £67 million for UK culture projects

Regional growth and regeneration will get a much-needed boost as 10 major culture projects across the UK will receive more than £67 million, the UK government confirmed this week.  

Funding will be ‘critical’ in showcasing the UK as a world-leader in culture and bring in visitors from across the globe.   

Just as importantly this will help drive growth in all parts of the country – a key element of the government’s Plan for Change – by creating jobs and in some cases building new homes.   

 Projects receiving funding are:    

  • £15 million for the National Railway Museum in York, will go towards the construction of a new building, Central Hall, which will include a new entrance to the museum, a new gallery, retail, café, flexible event space and new visitor facilities. The museum is part of a wider mixed-use regeneration scheme in York to transform underused railway land into a new city quarter which could create more than 3,000 new homes, new office, retail and hospitality space, contributing to more than 6,000 new jobs and £1.6 billion in economic value to the region.   
  • £10 million to start the process of revamping ‘Temple Works’ in Leeds a derelict Grade 1 building, bringing it into public ownership; paving the way for it to house the British Library North in the future and unlock further regeneration of new housing and commercial development on surrounding sites.  
  • £10 million for the International Slavery Museum and the Maritime Museum in Liverpool, to expand and maintain the museums which play a crucial role in the wider reimagining of the Liverpool Waterfront.   
  • £5 million for the National Poetry Centre in Leeds that will renovate a redundant Grade 2 Listed building to create a national headquarters for poetry and bolster Leeds’ reputation as a regional centre for culture and creativity.    
  • £5 million for City Centre Cultural Gateway in Coventry, that will support the repurposing of the former IKEA building in Coventry city centre to become a new cultural and visitor attraction.    
  • £2.3 million to three cultural projects in Worcester, these three projects will deliver new cultural and public spaces around the Scala arts venue:   
  • A new Scala Co-Working Space will be created to provide an onsite office and studio space for artistic companies to create work.    
  • Two mezzanine floors of the Corn Exchange building will be brought back into use through the creation of Next Level Food which will provide a new space for more events and exhibitions and modern catering facilities will be    
  • A new welcoming social space for younger generations will be created through the Angel Place is Your Space hub   
  • £10 million for Venue Cymru in Conwy, Wales, will upgrade the largest Welsh arts centre outside Cardiff and deliver a step-change in the use of the building, including the relocation of the existing library and Tourist Information Centre to create a modern and innovative cultural hub.   
  • £5 million for Newport Transporter Bridge, Wales, that will fund vital repair and maintenance works to Newport Transporter Bridge, which plays a crucial role in the tourism economy as a visitor attraction in South Wales.   
  • £2.6 million for the Victoria and Albert Museum in Dundee, that will expand and recurate the existing Scottish Design Galleries telling the story of Scottish design to create an improved destination and visitor experience.    
  • £2.2 million for Shore Road Skills Centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, that will see the redevelopment of the South Stand at the Crusaders FC into a unique state of the art community education, event and skills centre.    

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “Every corner of the UK has something unique to offer, and our rich creative capital must not be underestimated.    

“Our Plan for Change promises growth for every region and I’ve seen first-hand how these projects are igniting growth in their communities.   

“Through investing in these critical cultural projects we can empower both local leaders and people to really tap into their potential and celebrate everything their home town has to offer. This means more tourism, more growth and more money in people’s pockets.”   

Alex Norris, Minster for Local Growth, said:   ”The benefits of these fantastic projects go far beyond community and county borders, they are key to unlocking a regional and nationwide celebration of UK culture and creativity as well as driving growth and regeneration.   

“This investment marks a huge step forward in our decade of national renewal as committed to in our Plan for Change – creating jobs and boosting tourism and regeneration in our regions is the type of long-term, sustainable growth the government is prioritising to ultimately put more money in people’s pockets.”   

Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said: ”Everyone across the country should be able to access arts and culture in the place they call home. This support will empower our cultural organisations to continue playing an essential role in developing skills, talent and high-quality careers in every corner of the UK.”  

These projects will celebrate and raise awareness of the unique social value and cultural history of the UK while also supporting crucial economic growth through creating local jobs and attracting tourism on a national scale.    

Projects that are most advanced and will see benefits spread beyond regional borders and attract investment have been prioritised to maximise public spending and deliver long-term growth.

Have your say on plans to transform Seafield

Seafield to become ‘new environmentally friendly neighbourhood’

The city council is inviting residents to share their views on the regeneration of Seafield to make sure it responds to the needs and wishes of the local community.

As a key site for delivering the goals set out in the Edinburgh City Plan 2030, plans for the narrow stretch of land include a new promenade, GP surgery and opportunities for new shops and workplaces.

The coastal site could also include as many as 2,700 new homes, with 35% of homes being affordable, to address the Capital’s housing emergency. Future residents will benefit from the provision of a heat network which will help keep energy bills down whilst contributing to the city’s net zero targets.

The consultation, which closes on Wednesday 30 April 2025, will build on the first two stages of engagement and consultation carried out to date. Residents can attend a drop-in session to discuss the plans, or they can take part in an online survey via the Consultation Hub.

Planning Convener James Dalgleish said: “Our draft plan to transform Seafield into a new environmentally friendly neighbourhood will take us one step further to tackling our housing emergency and reaching net zero by 2030.

“This is a chance for residents to shape the future of the area – whether it’s about improving transport links, preserving green spaces or introducing new community facilities and we’re eager to hear everyone’s ideas for a Seafield that serves the whole community.

“I’d encourage everyone to share their views with us by filling in our online survey or coming along to one of our consultation drop-in events.”

 The in-person events will take place on the following dates and times:

  • Portobello Library, 14 Rosefield Avenue, Edinburgh, EH15 1AU, Saturday 8 March 10:30-1:30pm
  • Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road, Edinburgh, EH6 4AE, Friday 21 March 12:30-3:30pm
  • Craigentinny Community Centre, 9 Loaning Road, Edinburgh, EH7 6JE, Saturday 22 March 10:30-1:30pm