Granton Gasholder project
WORK IS TO BEGIN next month
on the gas holder at Granton which will be the centrepiece for a new town on the riverfront. The project will create play zones, a space for public art, a relaxation area, outdoor trails and tracks, a large outdoor space which could be used for festivals or markets. Trees and shrubs will be included in the design which aims to improve the biodiversity in the area. The newer planning application lodged only in October will address issues around accessibility.
The council’s Finance Committee approved the appointment of McLaughlin & Harvey Limited to carry out the project funded by £16.4 million from the UK Government’s
Levelling Up Fund.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I’m delighted with the committee decision. Our plan is to transform the structure, the centrepiece of our £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront, into a visitor destination with high quality open space for everyone to enjoy.
“Using money received from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund the contractor can crack on now and get spades in the ground to do the restoration work required, and we’re in the process of trying to secure the additional funding we need to deliver the high quality open space element. We’ve also submitted a planning application for this exciting next stage to make sure we’re ready to go ahead when we get the funding that we need.
“The wider regeneration is about using brownfield land to develop a sustainable 20-minute neighbourhood its residents will be proud of. It will be an area 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. Restoring the gasholder is the first step in unlocking the wider regeneration.”