Part of an Edinburgh ‘place’ project which is still at the planning stage, has been given substantial funding by The Scottish Government.
The Communities Secretary visited the refurbished Broomhouse Community Centre earlier in the week to announce grants from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund for 25 development projects across the country.
They all have one thing in common – tackling inequalities and delivering inclusive growth in some of the most deprived areas of Scotland.
Powderhall Stables will receive £1,205,040 out of the total government pot of around £25 million. This follows an allocation of £500,000 by The City of Edinburgh Council to refurbish and upgrade the building as a community and work hub. These monies were dependent on other grant funding which, with this new grant money, is now in place.
The stables are part of the 3.2 hectare site at 165 Broughton Road where a mixed use, housing led development is planned. A planning advice note (PAN) was lodged in December 2019 for the site which includes a nursery and around 230 homes of which just over a third will be affordable.
The Scottish Government awarded £801,600 to Broomhouse Community Hub in 2017/18 to help with the demolition and rebuild of the community centre. They increased the footprint to provide more suitable accommodation.
Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “We have invested more than £160 million in projects through this partnership with COSLA since 2014 to tackle inequalities, support business and create jobs that will promote growth and inclusivity in some of our most deprived, disadvantaged and remote communities across the country.
“I know this latest £25 million is going to make a big difference to the community projects across Scotland that will share this award.
“This new Hub in Broomhouse will help support people of all ages find companionship, learn new skills and offer much-needed support for families.
“It will be an asset to the local community now and for the future, and is an excellent example of what the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund supports each year.”
COSLA’s Environment and Economy spokesperson Councillor Steven Heddle said:“The Regeneration Capital Grant Fund continues to provide local authorities with an invaluable tool to help deliver on the regeneration aspirations of the communities which they represent. The range of projects reflects the need for localised approaches to help regenerate communities across the country, all of which will help deliver strong economic, social, and physical outcomes.
“Continuation of the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund for the remainder of the Parliamentary term emphasises the joint commitment of Local Government and Scottish Government to regenerating deprived and disadvantaged communities, and I look forward to seeing what further innovative projects come forward in the future rounds of this fund.”
Previously grants have been made to Castlebrae Business Centre, the New Civic Heart for Pennywell/Muirhouse, Castle Mill Works, Broomhouse Community Hub, Leith Walk Studios, Street Market and Community Partnership Service Hub, and Duncan Place Resource Centre.
This latest set of grant offer recommendations will bring the cumulative total to over £160 million of investment since the launch of RCGF in 2014-15.
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