Government-backed installation marks improvement at historic building.
A Leith-based charity hub has installed two new electric vehicle charging points, making it easier than ever for tenants and visitors to charge up while they work.
Norton Park, based at Albion Road in Edinburgh, has completed the installation of the EV chargers, which provide four charging bays in total and are now fully operational.
The project received £1,000 in grant funding through the UK Government’s Workplace Charging Scheme, which supports organisations in making the switch to cleaner transport infrastructure.
Yolanda Wringe, Chief Operating Officer at Norton Park, said: “It’s great to see the chargers up and running. We have more than 29 organisations based here, and a lot of people coming and going every day – so having EV charging on-site just makes practical sense.
“The government funding made it very straightforward to set up. The application process was simple, and the result is a real improvement to the facilities we can offer everyone who uses this building.”
The installation forms part of a wider programme of improvements at the historic site, which has been undergoing significant investment in recent years.
In the last year alone, £750,000 was invested in essential external repairs, including roof and masonry work partly funded by a £650,000 grant through the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund, helping to secure the building for future generations.
Originally built in 1903 as a school, the building was rescued from disrepair in 1998 by the Albion Trust, now operating as Norton Park SCIO and repurposed as a dedicated base for charities and social enterprises.
Today it is home to more than 29 non-profit organisations and has recently been recognised for its contribution to the local community with the inaugural Leith Award at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Awards.
Yolanda added: “Every improvement we make to this building is about making it work better for the organisations and people who depend on it. EV charging is something more and more people need, and we’re pleased to be able to offer it.
“It also reflects our broader commitment to improving the Norton Park in a way that’s sustainable and future-focused.”
As an independent registered Scottish charity, Norton Park owns its buildings outright and reinvests surpluses into maintaining and improving the site.
The charity is now preparing for its next phase of development, with plans to reimagine its conference centre and create additional flexible space for social impact organisations.
