Revitalising our historic built environment
Overview
We are undertaking a major investment programme to restore, enhance and celebrate the rich industrial and cultural heritage of Granton Waterfront.
Over the next 5 years, we will be investing over £5 million into targeted capital works to key heritage assets in the Waterfront area, alongside an extensive community engagement programme, heritage interpretation and traditional skills development.
This project has been made possible through grants from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grants Fund (£2.278 million), Historic Environment Scotland (£1.346 million) and the National Lottery Heritage Fund (£1.249 million).
Our aims
- repair and refresh four historic buildings and structures in Granton Waterfront – Granton Castle Walled Garden, Granton Lighthouse, the platforms of Granton Station, and Madelvic House
- deliver other improvements to the built heritage of Granton Waterfront
- improve traditional construction skills in Edinburgh
- engage the community with heritage via a programme of activities and interpretation
Capital works
Over the next 5 years we will be carrying out capital works to repair, restore and revitalise four key heritage buildings and assets in Granton Waterfront: Granton Lighthouse, Madelvic House, Granton Castle Walled Garden and the Granton Station Platforms.
The planned works will ensure the longevity of these historic buildings and structures, improving their safety, security, facilities, useability, inclusivity and environmental sustainability.
A shared journey
Our Community Heritage Activities Plan will be delivered throughout the lifecycle of the project to actively engage and involve local people in exploring and celebrating their heritage.
A varied programme of events, workshops, and participatory activities will provide opportunities for the community to share stories, contribute knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of local history and cultural identity.
Heritage interpretation panels will be placed at key locations across the area to celebrate Granton’s rich history and share the stories that make it unique. Designed for both residents and visitors, they will help bring the past to life in an engaging and accessible way. Supporting maps will guide people to key heritage sites, encouraging exploration, new discoveries and deeper connections with the area’s heritage.
Reviving traditional skills and crafts
The project will work in partnership with Edinburgh College Granton Campus to develop and deliver training courses focussed on traditional skills and crafts. The programme will provide College apprentices with hands-on experience and core competencies in heritage techniques such as lead working.
By combining hands-on learning with structured training, the initiative will enable apprentices to build confidence, gain industry-relevant skills, and support the transfer of knowledge to the next generation in heritage conservation.
Timeline
May 2023
We were successful in our bid to the Heritage and Place Programme to start the Development Phase. This was an initial planning stage to develop detailed designs, costings, and plans to ensure our project was viable. This included an extensive community consultation.
May 2023
We were successful in our bid to the Heritage and Place Programme to start the Development Phase. This was an initial planning stage to develop detailed designs, costings, and plans to ensure our project was viable. This included an extensive community consultation.
November 2025
We successfully completed the Development Phase and were given permission to start the Delivery Phase. A total of £2.9 million was granted to the project from Historic Environment Scotland, National Lottery Heritage Fund and the City of Edinburgh Council.
November 2025
We successfully completed the Development Phase and were given permission to start the Delivery Phase. A total of £2.9 million was granted to the project from Historic Environment Scotland, National Lottery Heritage Fund and the City of Edinburgh Council.
December 2025
Applications for planning permission and listed building consent were made in December 2025 for the Granton Lighthouse project.
December 2025
Applications for planning permission and listed building consent were made in December 2025 for the Granton Lighthouse project.
Project Partners
The Council’s partners in the delivery of the project are:
Project funders
Get involved
If you have any questions about the project, please email Granton.Waterfront@edinburgh.gov.uk.