Calls for discussion on the Old Town Hall in Leith

Phyllis Stephen

January 28, 2024 8:45 am

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Deidre Brock MP is calling for discussion on future of Leith’s Old Town Hall if Police decide to leave

The station is one of those up for possible closure as part of Police Scotland’s estate review.

In Edinburgh the stations affected include:
Balerno which was used as a base for 10 officers during the pandemic but was previously vacant,
the former police HQ at Fettes which is mainly now a lost property office,
Leith which is manned from 7am to midnight and is now handily located next to the tramline in the city’s most densely populated neighbourhood,
the West End police station which is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm,
and the station in Portobello.

Built in 1828, the Category A listed building in Leith still contains the original Leith Burgh Council debating chamber.

Deidre Brock who represents Edinburgh North and Leith said: “If Police Scotland decide that the old Leith Town Hall is no longer appropriate for modern policing, there should be a discussion about how it can be utilised for the community. “It is a wonderful building that holds a unique place in Leith’s history, and I hope the Council will consider how it can best be used for the benefit of current and future generations of Leithers.”

Divisional Commander Sean Scott said: “Over the last year we have been working to look at the buildings we have across Edinburgh and how we use them. We were given the opportunity to consider where we would want to locate our people to be as effective and efficient as possible. This work has allowed us to identify buildings which we believe are no longer required.

“Transforming our estate is a fundamental part of the future of policing in Scotland and we must deliver something different that is less expensive and more effective than the current model. Disposing of these buildings will also allow us to focus our efforts on developing better accommodation for our officers and staff whilst also enhancing successful relationships with our partners.”