Councillors at the Development Management Sub-Committee on 25 January approved planning permission for the next stage of redevelopment of the iconic Granton Gasholder.
Today (6 February), it was also announced that the project’s application to the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Fund has been approved. This will tie in with the overall programme of delivery and will secure up to £1.3m of further grant funding to take this stage of the works forward.
As the restoration of the Gasholder frame continues, work will begin in Autumn 2023 on public realm improvements to the surrounding land.
Ultimately, the goals of the restoration are to ensure development of the surrounding sites can take place whilst opening up the area to create a multifunctional public space that can be used and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
Council Leader Cammy Day said:
I am delighted that councillors have recently approved planning permission for the exciting high quality open space element of the redevelopment to the historic Granton Gasholder. The restoration of the Gasholder frame is already underway through funding provided by the Council and the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. With today’s announcement that we’ve been successful in our bid to the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Fund, we’re now able to progress our plans for creating an exciting public space which will see this iconic structure breathe new life into Granton Waterfront.
This important development represents our plan to transform the structure, the centrepiece of our £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront, into a visitor destination with high quality open space for everyone to enjoy.
The wider regeneration is about using brownfield land to develop a sustainable 20-minute neighbourhood its residents will be proud of. It will be an area where people live in affordable, environmentally friendly homes, have excellent transport and active travel links, and access open and green space, arts, sports, and culture. Restoring the Gasholder is the first step in unlocking the wider regeneration.
Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur said:
Neglected sites are often found in more disadvantaged settings and can become no-go areas or hamper community development. By targeting long-standing vacant and derelict land we can ensure that investment reaches the areas that need it most.
The Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme helps attract private investment to locations which have lain dormant for years. It also supports low carbon developments, helping Scotland reach net zero by 2045 and grow an economy that is greener, fairer, and more prosperous.
This green space development at the Granton Gasholder will bring a significant boost for the community and enhance wider regeneration. I look forward to seeing the completed project.