Centre of Arts and Culture Emerges at Waverley Mall
The council recently approved plans for a roof terrace and entrances at Waverley Mall.
Along with that, a collaboration between Edinburgh-based Scottish music enthusiast Kevin Buckle of Avalanche Records and artist, musician and writer Gerry Gapinski has led to the introduction of a brand new store and exhibition space to the mall.
Avalanche Gapinski – music and art, art and music, will open tomorrow Monday 4 March 2019 and will be a combination of local music and art in what is perceived as a honeypot for any arts lover.
There will be vintage clothing from one of the UK’s oldest vintage clothing stores, W. Armstrong & Son. A separate exhibition space, located in the centre’s ‘secret stairs’ will mean they can also explore a range of significant pieces from Scotland’s colourful music history including posters, artwork, instruments and clothing.
The introduction of this pop-up enterprise builds on Waverley Mall’s growing arts offering, which currently includes local artist, Nick Harrigan basing himself out of the centre as well as the introduction of a popular and increasingly successful performance space in the foot court.
Moorgarth has been working consciously to expand the retail and food and beverage mix in the mall – with the cultural arts being a bigger part of that vision, and a real focus on bringing innovative, independent retailers that give Edinburgh’s shoppers something different and refreshing.
As part of the refreshed tenant mix, local coffee roasters Williams & Johnson opened a hugely successful coffee shop operation in July 2018, whilst artisan retailer, Born in the Borders arrived at the end of 2018 – bringing the very best local produce from the Scottish Borders to the heart of Scotland’s capital.
The planned transformation of the centre features a stunning new restaurant retail and leisure space, arranged around a central piazza, which creates a flexible venue for markets, events and entertainment.
It is hoped the arts and culture element of the centre will continue to grow – both preserving and enhancing the Centre’s unique position in the centre of Edinburgh – especially its close proximity to Waverley Station and outlook across Edinburgh’s Old Town and the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The new rooftop restaurant units, leisure spaces and new public walkway along the southern elevation will all make the most of the unique location and stunning outlook across to Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat.
Jacquelyn Stewart, Centre Manager, Waverley Mall says: “We’re really excited about the Avalanche Gapinski collaboration and feel it fits with our plans and aspirations for Waverley Mall perfectly – adding a real point of interest and unique feature to the centre for locals and visitors to enjoy.”
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