Edinburgh receives Levelling Up funding for new coastal town

The UK government has announced nearly £16.5m of funding to help Edinburgh Council unlock the first phase of the £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront.

This includes the restoration of the B-listed Granton gas holder, a former Victorian gasworks, which will help to deliver one of the most sustainable new coastal towns in Scotland.

Over the next 15 years, 3,500 net-zero carbon homes, a primary school, health centre, commercial and cultural spaces, sustainable transport provision and a new coastal park are all expected to be delivered in the regeneration project.

The Council has already made progress with the delivery of around 660 Council-led homes and growing the cultural and arts cluster.

Council leader, Adam McVey, said: ‘We are pleased to see this funding to help support our vision for a new Granton waterfront. Our plans will enhance the City’s coastline and deliver sustainment development with culture, green space and local education and employment at its heart. Restoring the gas holder for public use will undoubtedly help attract future investment to regenerate the area and the Council is committed to continue to work with both The UK and Scottish Governments as well and other key partners in delivering the maximum benefit for our communities.’

Deputy leader and lead on Granton Waterfront regeneration, Cammy Day, added: ‘This funding is very welcome and demonstrates the momentum and progress we’re making to transform used brownfield land into a new sustainable new neighbourhood it’s residents will be proud of. It will be one where people live in affordable environmentally friendly homes, have excellent transport and active travel links and access to lots of open and green space, arts, sports and culture. In a partnership with Edinburgh College, we’ve already made sure this B-listed gas holder is a beacon of light for the area by lighting it up while work is underway on the wider regeneration of the area.’

In related news, three of Birmingham City Council’s Levelling Up bids have been successful, with the city securing over £52m in new funding.

Photo by Robert V. Ruggiero