Asset transfer secured for NEA
North Edinburgh Arts (NEA) in Muirhouse has been granted full community ownership in a community asset transfer from the City of Edinburgh Council. With the additional transfer of a plot of land to the north of the organisation’s venue, NEA is now in a position to lead on the development of an extended creative and community hub for the area, working in partnership with the council.
Established in 1998, NEA say bringing the organisation into community ownership and working to extend the facilities will make sure this dynamic community venue is fit for purpose for the next two decades. NEA carried out extensive consultation to gauge support for the project with 96% of respondents in favour. The organisation offers local residents a place to relax, explore, learn, meet, share, volunteer and have fun in.
Last year more than 40,000 visits were made to the venue which is based in the heart of Muirhouse and their current venue incorporates two studios, a 96-seat theatre, recording studio, gallery, offices and the pop-in community café with children’s play area leading onto a large garden.
The venue is also home to Muirhouse Link Up, Firstport
Social Enterprise, North Edinburgh Drug and Alcohol Centre, and the Tinderbox Orchestra, all working to serve the most disadvantaged children, families and individuals in the North Edinburgh area.
Chair of NEA, Lesley Hinds, said: “NEA has won five national awards in the last six years for place making and creative projects.
This new capital project will allow the organisation to flourish and bring a first class facility to Macmillan Square. The granting of the Community Asset Transfer is the first step on our next exciting journey.”