A cultural asset for the community
In April 2026, we completed work to transform the former railway platforms into a vibrant biodiverse garden for the community to enjoy. The project helped preserve an important part of the area’s history while improving the surrounding environment and creating new habitat for biodiversity.
The next stage of the project is to introduce a piece of public artwork inspired by the site’s rich railway and industrial heritage.
The story of Granton Station and its railway platforms
Officially opening in 1903, the Granton Station and railway platforms were built to serve the Granton Gasworks. Operating as a railway station for approximately 40 years (from 1903 to 1942), it provided a key connection to the centre of Edinburgh that enabled workers to travel to and from the Gasworks.
Following its decommission in 1942, the station building was used as office space, and the railway platforms fell into a state of disrepair.
In 2020, a planning application was granted for the refurbishment of the former Granton Station. The building was refurbished between 2021 –2023 to modernise its internal space and sympathetically restore its external design. Following this refurbishment, it reopened as Granton Station Creative Works in 2023 operated by the arts charity WASPs.
As the former railway platforms were not refurbished as part of this scheme, this project aims to upgrade them to the same standard as the wider building refurbishment and landscape regeneration.
Public art commission
A commissioned piece of public art will celebrate and reflect the site’s railway heritage. Designed to respond to the history and character of Granton Station and Gasworks, the artwork will help tell the story of the site and create a lasting cultural feature for both residents and visitors to enjoy.
Key benefits
The project aims to:
- Celebrate and interpret the area’s rich industrial heritage through creative public art.
- Enhance the public realm by creating a distinctive focal point and sense of place.
- Encourage community engagement, reflection and pride in the area.
Looking ahead
In the future, the site can be expected to continue developing as a vibrant and distinctive public space that blends heritage, nature and culture. The biodiversity-focused garden will mature over time, creating richer habitats and a more established green environment. The introduction of public art and heritage interpretation will further strengthen the identity of the area and help link this site with other key historic assets in the area.
Support and Acknowledgements
To deliver these works, the Council has assembled a budget of £30k secured from Historic Environment Scotland.
