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 Leith, Norton Park has a legacy in building repair, having rescued a Victorian school building from disrepair. This feasibility commission is an opportunity to build on that heritage by transforming the Conference Centre, housed in a makeshift conversion of a neighbouring B-Listed church. We will open the building to the community, unlock underused spaces, and improve energy efficiency by enhancing the building fabric to reduce carbon emissions. Creating a retrofit exemplar that supports Norton Park’s charitable purpose.
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.
Get Involved
Organisations and individuals with an interest in the space are encouraged to get in touch and share their views.
To discuss your organisation’s needs, opportunities for collaboration, or wider priorities for Edinburgh’s third sector, please contact:
Douglas Westwater, Community Enterprise
douglas@communityenterprise.co.uk
