North Edinburgh Arts have confirmed that work to progress their project to develop McMillan Square will continues despite the council not putting the project forward to the Scottish Government for funding.
Despite their deputation to the Council’s Policy and Sustainability Committee today the committee didn’t change their proposal.
Local councillor, Graham Hutchison, from the Scottish Conservatives spoke in support of the application at the meeting and said its “baffling” that the council hasn’t supported the project.
He said “The North Edinburgh Arts proposal offers a fantastic focal point for the Muirhouse and Pennywell redevelopment and a wonderful new facility at the heart of the local community.
“The development of community hubs is a stated aim of the Council administration and it is frankly baffling that they are not doing all they can to support this project.”
NEA chairperson, Lesley Hinds, said “Today we learned The City of Edinburgh Council Policy and Sustainability Committee decided, at this time, not to submit the North Edinburgh Arts development bid for consideration under the Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant scheme.
“North Edinburgh Arts is, of course, disappointed with this outcome. However with the positive support from Councillors and officers, at the committee, NEA will continue to work in partnership with the Council and community to deliver a Community Hub, as the final phase for the regeneration of McMiillan Square in Muirhouse.
“North Edinburgh Arts is at stage 2 of both a Community Asset Transfer bid, and related Scottish Land Fund bid to transfer North Edinburgh Arts fully into community ownership, and to enable the organisation to lead on the development of a creative and community hub; much needed by the local community pre-Covid, arguably more in the period to follow, post pandemic.
“NEA has wide support with 96% of local residents consulted fully supporting the plans, alongside cross-party support from local, Scottish and UK elected representatives following briefings early this year, tabling our vision and full business case
“The Business Case, Architect sketch, and development timetable will be presented, again, to officers and Councillors over the coming weeks. With NEA working to ensure the next report considered by the Council achieves a positive outcome, for NEA, for McMillan Square, and for our local community.”
