The factory which used to be the North British Rubber Company HQ will retain its productive and creative heritage while being transformed into a new printmaking and creative industries hub.
The £12.3million state of the art facility will welcome artists and visitors to its open plan area when it opens in 2019, hoping to become a communal area for both artists and locals.
It will eventually hold a series of permanent art pieces, while hosting printmaking workshops and creative studios in a real contribution to Edinburgh’s artistic scene.
Funding has come from several organisations including The National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Scottish Government, Creative Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland as well as trusts and foundations including Garfield Weston Foundation and The Robertson Trust.
Contractors Interserve, officially began work today working on a vision designed by Page/Park architects.
Edinburgh Printmakers CEO Sarah Price said: “We’re delighted to be in a position to formally begin construction on Edinburgh Printmakers new Centre for Excellence. Coinciding with our 50th birthday this marks a new chapter in our journey to improve facilities for artists and makers in the City and for our ever expanding and diverse audience to enjoy printmaking at its best.
“I’m extremely grateful to my team at EP, our design team and the many supporters who have helped us along the way, from our major funders to the small donations, every penny raised has helped us to get us to this point.
“In redeveloping Castle Mill Works we are preserving an iconic piece of Edinburgh’s industrial heritage and planning to look after it for generations to come. We are aiming for the main building to be open in Spring 2019 and will continue to fundraise over the coming 3 years to complete the full Creative Industries incubator project as planned.
“We will continue to build on the overwhelming support from the local community and donors to fully realise this transformative project.”
Iain Munro, Deputy CEO at Creative Scotland said: “This is a significant milestone for Edinburgh Printmakers, both in terms of starting the exciting new building works, and in marking the 50th anniversary of the organisation.
“The Castle Mill Works development will breathe new life into the former headquarters of the North British Rubber Company and transform it into a world-class visual arts centre and creative hub for artists and audiences alike, standing the organisation in good stead for the next 50 years.”
Interserve’s Divisional Director Martin Smith said; “We are delighted to be starting this prestigious project for Edinburgh Printmakers and to be working once again with Page\Park Architects.
“This new work comes just as we have successfully completed another exceptional historic building redevelopment with Page\Park in Edinburgh and affirms our position as one of the Capital’s premier restorers of iconic listed buildings. Our commitment to measured growth and sustainable development in Scotland, partnering with valued clients like Edinburgh Printmakers, is cemented in this contract.”
