Exclusive:Granton Lighthouse to be transformed after securing £2m funding
Edinburgh Council said the money will allow the historic building to be ‘brought back to life’
Plans to transform Granton Lighthouse into a hub for musicians, artists and creative businesses have received a £2 million cash boost.
The project, which will include exhibition space and a café open to the public, has secured £2,277,545 from the Scottish government.
Edinburgh Council said the funding will allow the historic building to be “brought back to life”, with work set to start as early as next year.
It is part of the wider £1.3 billion redevelopment of the Granton Waterfront area, Scotland's largest brownfield regeneration project.
Council leader Jane Meagher said: “I’m delighted the funding is now in place to restore this historically significant building to be enjoyed by the local community for generations to come.
“The former lighthouse building is a strong visual reminder of the area’s history. It will now start a new chapter as it continues to be a place of learning and creativity as well as a focal point for the local community to meet.”
She added: “It’s also another great milestone reached for our £1.3 billion regeneration of the wider area and follows our announcement at the end of last year that the council had been successful in securing funding for this and several other heritage buildings.
“This includes funding to refurbish and restore structures such as Madelvic House, Granton Castle Walled Garden and the platforms in Granton Station Square, the latter of which are located beside the beautifully restored former Granton Station building.”
Granton Lighthouse will be operated by Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust after its restoration. The council said it will be fully refurbished to create a learning, enterprise, exhibition and cafe space.
The £4.2 million project will also restore some of the original features such as the lantern, while the outside area will be transformed into a social space for people to sit and relax.
The 19th century building was once used to teach lighthouse keepers their trade, as well as testing new illuminations.
Rob Hoon, chief executive of Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust, said: “Out of the Blue is delighted that the Scottish government has granted regeneration funding for the refurbishment of Granton Lighthouse.
“We have been an integral part of the team planning the refurbishment of Granton Lighthouse. The Lighthouse is a significant landmark listed building loved by local people, who see an exciting opportunity for involvement in a new creative space, with opportunities for learning, a cafe, studios, music practice and recording.”
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: "This investment will make a real difference to people's lives – providing affordable homes, economic opportunities and community spaces the length and breadth of Scotland.
"Creating hundreds of jobs and training opportunities will boost family incomes and give children a better start in life.
"Granton Lighthouse is a beacon for its community's future. Once derelict, it will become a vibrant creative hub as part of our commitment to support plans to regenerate Granton Waterfront into a thriving coastal community."
A total of 32 projects across Scotland will benefit from the latest round of the £36 million regeneration capital grant fund, bringing 21 disused or derelict sites back into use.
In Glasgow, Springburn Winter Gardens will receive £1,129,059.
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