North Edinburgh Arts secures Scottish Land Funds

As part of the ongoing regeneration programme around MacMillan Square, North Edinburgh Arts (NEA) has secured £156,000 from the Scottish Land Fund.

Article Source: The City of Edinburgh Council
Last Updated: 21 September 2020 11:39

As part of the ongoing regeneration programme around MacMillan Square, North Edinburgh Arts (NEA) has secured £156,000 from the Scottish Land Fund.

One of only two successful bids in Edinburgh, the funds will enable the charity to buy the land and building recently agreed as a community asset transfer from the City of Edinburgh Council. With the purchase of an additional plot of land to the north of the organisation’s venue, North Edinburgh Arts will work in partnership with the Council to deliver a community and neighbourhood hub which promotes culture, learning, work and wellbeing for this area of the city. This will include a new early years centre, library, affordable homes as well as an extension to and refurbishment of the existing NEA building.

Bringing the organisation, established in 1998, into community ownership and working to extend the facilities will make sure this dynamic community venue is fit for purpose for the next two decades. New enterprise, workshop, learning space and creative studios are planned, alongside a dedicated youth area, expanded café, and shared atrium all working to complement the Council’s adjoining library and early years provision.

NEA carried out extensive consultation to gauge support for the project with 96% of respondents in favour. The organisation offers local residents a place to relax, explore, learn, meet, share, volunteer and have fun in. Last year over 40,000 visits were made to the venue once described by STV as ‘a bright bubble behind Muirhouse shopping centre‘. NEA is working with Edinburgh-based Richard Murphy Architects and Council colleagues to make sure the new hub is inspiring, inviting and innovative, and brings a high quality facility to the newly formed MacMillan Square.

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic over 30 hours of creative workshops were on offer each week, most with a family focus, alongside a wide range of other events from singing groups to circus skills workshops, exhibitions, community theatre, film clubs, and festival events. The venue is also home to Muirhouse Link Up, North Edinburgh Drug and Alcohol Centre, and the Tinderbox Orchestra, all working to serve the most disadvantaged children, families and individuals in the North Edinburgh area.

Chair of NEA, Lesley Hinds, said:

“NEA has won five national awards in the last six years for place making and creative projects. This new capital project will allow the organisation to flourish, alongside Council provision. NEA is a special place for the community of North Edinburgh and has been a trusted community anchor providing emergency food, support, materials and online creative activities throughout the lockdown. Alongside our COVID activity of the last five months we have been working closely with partners to share and establish our vision of a welcoming and innovative creative hub for the next generation of North Edinburgh residents. The granting of the Scottish Land Fund is an important and welcome next step on this exciting journey.”

Director Kate Wimpress added:

“The bright blue NEA building has been a beacon of hope for many throughout the lockdown, and an important part of the North Edinburgh landscape over the last decade. This endorsement from the Scottish Land Fund, following on from the Council’s agreement for this much loved and used asset to come fully into community ownership, takes NEA , and our community, another step closer to our vision becoming a reality. We are looking forward to building a first class facility fit for purpose for today, and for the years to come.”

City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Adam McVey, said:

“We’ve been working with the local community to make neighbourhood improvements, build some of the best new housing in all of Edinburgh and create facilities which will benefit everyone who calls Pennywell home. It has been one of our most ambitious regeneration projects in Edinburgh for decades and one of Scotland’s largest too. Yet none of it would be possible without the input and support of the people and organisations in the local area.

“North Edinburgh Arts is a great example of this and is so important for the cultural vibrancy of the area. We’re excited for our community asset transfer and to partner with them on this next stage of Pennywell’s regeneration. The funding boost is welcome news and the money will help us as we deliver a community and neighbourhood hub which promotes culture, learning, work and wellbeing. This will include a new early years centre and library, even more affordable homes plus improvements to the existing North Edinburgh Arts building to benefit everyone.”

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Dance Base to celebrate 25th year in Grassmarket home

2026 represents a landmark year for Dance Base, Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, as the organisation celebrates 25 years in its purpose-built home in the heart of Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.

Edinburgh Zoo welcomes second rare sloth bear

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed a second male sloth bear, named Rajath.

Innis & Gunn unveils 1875 Arctic Ale in tribute to legendary North Pole expedition

A ‘KNOCK-OUT’ new beer has been unveiled inside an ice sculpture in Edinburgh to celebrate 150 years since the legendary North Pole expedition it was originally brewed for.

National Galleries of Scotland get their skates on to recreate iconic Skating Minister

To celebrate World Ice Skating Day on 14 December, the National Galleries of Scotland got their skates on to recreate one of the most iconic paintings, Sir Henry Raeburn’s Skating Minister.

Everyman presents Nationwide preview screenings of Sentimental Value

See the highly anticipated new comedy drama before anyone else, with preview screenings at Everyman cinemas nationwide.

Enlightenment an Immersive Experience set to transform McEwan Hall in Edinburgh

Swiss art collective PROJEKTIL brings its vivid light and sound show to Edinburgh from 31 January, following acclaimed runs in Glasgow, Liverpool and Leeds

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership bringing together Scotland's most celebrated writers and musicians!

Hogmanay celebrations at Lost Shore set to kick 2026 off with a bang

Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surf destination, is gearing up for a spectacular start to 2026 with a packed programme of festive events.

Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Experience awarded highest international honours in the whisky world

The Scotch Whisky Experience is proud to announce that Chief Executive Susan Morrison has been inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame,

DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events

DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.

Isaac McHale and Stuart Ralston Burns Night in Edinburgh

On Sunday 25th January, for one night only, Isaac McHale returns to his native Scotland for a Burns Night dinner with Stuart Ralston at his Michelin-starred Lyla.

Funded Debut Fringe for Scottish comedians returns for 2nd year

Scottish comedy producer Brass Tacks Comedy is once again offering one Scottish or Scotland-based comedian a funded Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut for 2026, supported by Red Bull UK.

Celebrate the New Year with a sparkling experience at The Ivy Edinburgh

With toasts to celebrate the new year breaking around the world, the experience is not to be missed!

Slice of kindness fuels staff at hub of Scottish charities

Staff at Norton Park in Leith, home to more than 20 charities, can now tuck into freshly made pizza with generous discounts, thanks to a local partnership with community-minded business, Pizza Geeks.

Big Fat Bingo of The Year shows announced

Christmas is coming in fast, and hot on its heels is the surreal, off-kilter period between Xmas and NYE... Bongo's Bingo have got just the tonic to help see out the final days of 2025!

Discover December Events at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Christmas events to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in this festive season!

Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled

The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.

Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow

Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo appoints new Marketing Director

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has appointed Johna Penman as its Marketing Director, leading the organisation’s Brand, Box Office, Marketing and Communications functions.

Fingal Sails into Christmas Retaining Two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence

Christmas has come early for Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, after retaining two prestigious Rosettes for culinary excellence

George Clooney returns to Edinburgh to speak at the 2026 British Business Awards and Social Bite Fundraising Dinner

The annual British Business Awards will take place on 30th April 2026 and will feature a special guest appearance and conversation with award-winning actor and humanitarian, George Clooney.

Helen Sharman and Hamza Yassin to appear at Edinburgh Science Festival 2026

The first British astronaut Helen Sharman and wildlife cameraman, presenter and author Hamza Yassin will headline Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 line-up.

10p pizzas from Civerinos as Deliveroo marks 10th Scottish anniversary

Raise a dram to a decade of Deliveroo: Civerinos and Deliveroo launch 10p pizzas to celebrate 10 years of feeding the people of Scotland.

Capital Theatres aims to share festive magic and wonder with a line up for everyone

Capital Theatres celebrates the festive season with entertainment for all ages, including enchanting magical family shows, world-class dance and a specially crafted Christmas Care Home Tour.

Lidl launching free gift wrapping stations across the UK

Lidl has unveiled its first-ever ‘Lidl Wrapped’ - a celebration of some of the nation's favourite buys, brought to life as limited-edition Christmas wrapping paper

Edinburgh brewery presents ultimate Christmas tipple for craft beer lovers

Christmas has come early for Scotland's beer fans following the release of a limited-edition craft ale from a leading Edinburgh microbrewery.

Meet Festive Film Favourites at Fort Kinnaird in December

Christmas is already in full swing at Fort Kinnaird, and the festivities are set to get even more magical as a line-up of much-loved characters visit the centre for the first time this December.

Edinburgh bar to raise Cash For Kids after Christmas nutcracker theft

Copper Blossom on George Street Edinburgh has launched a new festive cocktail in aid of a children’s charity following the theft of its eight-foot Christmas nutcracker statue.

Embrace the spirit of Christmas on International Volunteer Day

Christmas is a time for giving, and what better opportunity to discover new ways to give back to your community than on Friday 5th December, International Volunteer Day.

WIN! An Edinburgh Christmas Experience for 4

Heard the news? OMNi is inviting everyone to get into the festive spirit with an exclusive Christmas Prize Draw.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

North Edinburgh Arts secures Scottish Land Funds

As part of the ongoing regeneration programme around MacMillan Square, North Edinburgh Arts (NEA) has secured £156,000 from the Scottish Land Fund.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings