Inverleith Park masterplan
In 2021 – 2022 we asked the local community their aspirations for Inverleith Park. We commissioned Rankinfraser to co-produce a concept masterplan which you can access here.
The masterplan prioritises the development of community spaces, particularly at the southeast entrance. This enhances recreational spaces with updated playgrounds and social areas for all ages. Perimeter paths and lighting improvements will make the park more welcoming to people and wildlife.
The plan integrates a Biodiversity Area featuring wildflower and tree planting. The masterplan also includes a sustainable drainage system (SuDS) to manage storm water and reduce flooding risks.
The Depot was identified as a potential area for community use or greening. The community expressed support for turning this area into a community space. This could also include a high-end café or restaurant or expand the sundial garden. The space could also house communal activities, like gardening or seed exchanges.
The Inverleith Park Masterplan is a forward-looking plan. It aims at revitalising one of Edinburgh’s most iconic green spaces. This masterplan ensures that the park thrives as a space for community and environmental activities.
This masterplan is part of Edinburgh's Thriving Green Spaces Project, funded by the Future Parks Accelerator Fund. It reflects the views and needs of local communities while addressing key environmental challenges.
2024 Inverleith Park Corridor – from Carrington Road to Arboretum Place
Inverleith Park, specifically the area from Carrington Road to Arboretum Place, was part of a broader "Climate Ready Craigleith" programme aimed at enhancing the Craigleith Catchment. A detailed design contract for Arboretum Place was awarded, including potential daylighting of the culvert running north-south along the eastern end of the park. Additionally, a feasibility study into de-culverting through Orchard Park was planned, and a contract for this study was imminent.
This masterplan is part of Edinburgh's Thriving Green Spaces Project, funded by the Sustrans.
Sustrans applications for RIBA Stage 3-4 for the Inverleith Corridor (Carrington Road, Inverleith Park and Arboretum Place) and Drylaw Park were unfortunately both unsuccessful. There are currently no plans to progress these large projects, but aspects of them are being accelerated.
2025 Inverleith Park Depot
As part of the Council’s Depot Programme 2025 – 2030, the grounds maintenance and forestry teams will relocate from Inverleith Depot by the end of 2025 / early 2026, leaving the Depot vacant.
The future of the site will be shaped through the Place-Based Property Improvement Programme, approved by Committee on 19th September 2024, and will also align with the Inverleith Park Concept Masterplan Report (2022). This has allowed us to secure funding to appoint AtkinsRéalis to produce RIBA Stage 2 Concept Design plans for the site. The scope of this work included:
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Stakeholder engagement and site analysis, including assessing the potential for meanwhile uses while long-term options are explored
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Concept development and feasibility studies, including contaminated land assessments and utilities surveys
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Concept design and business case development, including schematic plans and financial feasibility assessments
This masterplan is part of Edinburgh’s Thriving Green Spaces Project, supported by the 20-Minute Neighbourhood initiative, which aims to create more liveable and resilient communities through thoughtful, place-based investment.