Sustainability key in Leith

THE COUNCIL approved the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) proposals

for Leith Custom House to be furbished in a £15.1 million project, creating a mixed-use community, creative and heritage hub rather than the original plan to use it only as a museum.

The trust will now restore the building to good repair, enhancing the energy efficiency in the building, using renewable sources where possible. The plan is to make the entrance to Custom House a welcoming and inclusive space with heritage displays throughout and flexible accommodation for community groups and creative businesses. This will produce an income to secure the future of the 19th century building.

The council’s Museums and Galleries Service will help with the heritage parts of the project allowing the trust to obtain planning permission and run a major fundraising campaign.

FLEXIBLE FUNCTION

Custom House has been used in a variety of ways since the council purchased it, mainly as a creative hub, but also as a

home for Leith Market.

The plans to use the building solely as a museum for Leith were described as challenging and unsustainable, requiring third party funding or subsidy. The council is not in a position to operate another single use museum, and no other operator has been identified, but items from the Leith Collection will be used and displayed at Custom House following completion of the multi-million pounds refurbishment.

Chair of Scottish Historic Buildings Trust Maggie Wright said: “We welcome the committee’s decision to continue its relationships with Scottish Historic Buildings Trust as we move forward to secure the long term future of Leith Custom House, which has had a significant role within Leith since the early 19th century. It is a huge vote of confidence in the expertise of our Trust, following on from our successful restoration of Riddle’s Court in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Our proposals will give the building a sustainable future as well as creating a legacy for the community of Leith and beyond for generations to come.”