Cities change over time. At times these changes are less than popular, like taking iconic venues and converting them into luxury student flats, but when renovations are done well they can breathe new life into an entire town.
What’s going on in Edinburgh with the century old Granton gasholder is closer to the latter. It would have been easy to demolish, as the metal structure, despite being beloved by locals, had been sitting disused and alone in a concrete industrial park for a long time. But in an excellent move from developers, plans came along to not only save it, but make it a centrepiece for a brand new neighbourhood just outside of Edinburgh.
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The gasholder will become home to a park for the new Granton waterfront development. It has finally shed its scaffolding after refurbishments were completed, and now work has turned to its interior. Inside the frame will be a green space complete with ‘multi-sensory play zones, a dedicated area for permanent and temporary public art, a relaxation space, outdoor trails and tracks for exercise as well as a large outdoor area for sports, markets, seasonal events, community use, festivals, performance arts, exhibitions and play.
‘Work is also being carried out to plant trees, shrubs and wildflowers improving biodiversity and local habitat in the area,’ the council has said.
Local council leader Cammy Day voiced his enthusiasm for the park, which could be complete for the new year, saying ‘[the gasholder] has been part of Edinburgh’s skyline for over 120 years so its restoration at the centre of our £1.3bn regeneration of the area is a spectacular focal point.
‘It marked a historic moment as the park is being transformed to serve a completely different purpose for the local community who will be able to enjoy arts, sports and culture there for years to come.’
Once the park is complete it will be free for anyone to enter. It will also be the first part of the new neighbourhood to be constructed, ready for residents to move in around it. What a way to welcome them.
Discover nature in the UK
This new park isn’t the only way to get outdoors. We have guides to great roadtrips across the country, Britain’s best campsites, and some of the best natural wonders you can find without so much as boarding a plane.
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