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Community Projects To Brighten Up New Waverley Site

Posted: 15th September 2015

Six community groups in Edinburgh are being allocated funding to enhance the New Waverley development in the Old Town while it is under construction.

Projects ranging from community gardens, to art installations and festival lighting for the Canongate, will brighten up the area for residents and visitors alike.

The New Waverley Community Fund (NWCF) is a joint project between the City of Edinburgh Council and Artisan Real Estate Investors, the developers of New Waverley, which is one of the Edinburgh 12 sites. The total fund available is £200,000 including £100,000 being held by the Council from a previous developer.

Community groups were asked to make bids for not-for-profit organisations for up to £25,000. The Neighbourhood Partnership for the city centre then recommended six projects from the 20 bids submitted. Over half of the funds are being allocated at the moment and in early 2016 there will be another opportunity to make a bid for funding up to £25,000.

Clive Wilding, New Waverley’s project director said: “These exciting projects show exactly why New Waverley is, and will become, such a special city centre destination. They all celebrate the unique attributes that the area has – both in its physical heritage and the wonderful nooks and crannies that you can find there. The projects include innovative art installations, the opening up of secret green spaces and the excitement of festive lighting – all becoming a brilliant and vibrant showcase highlighting what our development can bring to the city.”

Cllr Frank Ross, Convener of the Economy Committee, said “Work at the New Waverley site is now very visible and gathering pace. The development will create thousands of new jobs including apprenticeships, as well as boosting the local economy. Some really interesting projects have been successful and will help to create a real buzz in the area ahead of the development being completed.”

The projects include:

Stars in New Waverley by Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust
To celebrate Edinburgh’s UNESCO literature and heritage status, stunning light installations will showcase the area’s literary heritage supported by a trail in the windows of businesses along the Royal Mile.

Edinburgh Art Festival New Waverley Commission by Edinburgh Art Festival
Commissioning of an artist to develop a significant new artwork for the railway bridge situated at the meeting point between New Street and Calton Road.

Jacobs Ladder Community Garden by Old Town Development Trust
Develop the derelict land on the north side of Calton Road (around Jacobs Ladder and Railway Bridge).

Canongate Festive Lighting by Edinburgh World Heritage on behalf of several community partners
Installation of Christmas lighting in the Canongate (for an initial period of three to four festive seasons) to fulfil a long term aspiration of the Canongate community.

Unlocking the secret of the New Calton Burial Ground by Edinburgh World Heritage
Stimulate better public access and use of the burial ground, enhance its appearance and encourage volunteers to join a “friends of” group.

New Waverley – Community Art by Spectrum Arts
Organising community art projects, installations, murals and workshops around the site, primarily on hoardings.

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