Community organisations, charities, social enterprises and local residents are being invited to share their views on the future of Norton Park Conference Centre.
The feedback will support a major new study exploring how a bespoke heritage space could better serve Edinburgh’s third sector and local communities around Easter Road.
Norton Park has commissioned a comprehensive options appraisal to identify new and enhanced uses for its Conference Centre, with the ambition of creating greater social impact, stronger community benefit and improved long-term sustainability. The study will explore how the building could support voluntary organisations, community groups, social enterprises, local residents and purpose-driven businesses, while respecting the heritage character of the building.
The project is being led by Community Enterprise and Fraser/Livingstone Architects. A central part of the project is understanding what Edinburgh's third sector actually needs. The team is keen to hear from charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, social enterprises, networks and public sector partners about the challenges they face, the facilities they currently use, the gaps in provision across the city and the opportunities they would like to see developed.
Keith Robertson, Chief Executive of Norton Park, said:
'Norton Park has a long history of supporting the voluntary and community sector in Edinburgh. We know there is potential for the Conference Centre to play a much bigger role in supporting organisations and communities across the city. This project is an opportunity to think creatively about the future and ensure that the building responds to real needs. We are keen to hear from as many organisations as possible so that any future plans are rooted in evidence, demand and community benefit.'
Norton Park is Edinburgh’s leading third-sector hub, providing affordable, high-quality workspace and a supportive community for charities, social enterprises and community organisations.
The study will examine a range of possibilities, including workspace, meeting facilities, training and event space, partnership working opportunities and other community-focused uses. The findings will help Norton Park identify a preferred option and develop a longer-term vision for the building's future.
Robin Livingstone, Director of Fraser/Livingstone Architects:
'Sitting next to Easter Road stadium in the heart of Leith, Norton Park already has a commendable legacy in supporting building repair and reuse, having previously rescued a former Victorian school building from disrepair in the 1990s. This feasibility commission presents us with an exciting opportunity to build on this heritage by exploring ways to transform the organisations existing Conference Centre, currently housed within a makeshift conversion of a neighbouring B-Listed church. We will consider ways to open the building up to the community, to unlock underused spaces within the volume of the church and enhance connections to the Business Centre in the old school building. While balancing heritage considerations, we’ll also examine ways to improve energy efficiency by enhancing the existing building fabric to minimise future energy costs and reduce operational carbon emissions. The intention is to create a retrofit exemplar that supports Norton Parks charitable purpose and deliver greater social and financial impact.'
Douglas Westwater, Chief Executive of Community Enterprise, added:
'Edinburgh has one of the most vibrant third sectors in Scotland, but organisations are facing significant pressures around costs, sustainability and access to suitable space. We want to hear directly from the sector about what would make the biggest difference. Whether you are a small community group looking for meeting space, a charity seeking collaborative opportunities, or a social enterprise with ideas for the future, we would love to have a conversation.'
