Leith Links

Leith Links Masterplan - Skatepark Designs and Story So Far 

Working with the local community and landscape architects at AtkinsRealis the Council’s Thriving Greenspaces Project funded the development of a 10-year concept Masterplan for Leith Links to progress ideas for the future use and facilities in the parks. 

This work started in 2021 and outlined a range of suggestions for the park development as a whole – from the activity hub, to permanent public toilets to wildflower meadows and more. The draft masterplan was co-designed with the Leith Links Working Group, which includes:.    

  • Council staff 

  • Representatives from the community council 

  • Council partners 

  • Local organisations 

  • Members of the Leith community 

Public events and consultations were also held. 

It’s important to note that this masterplan represents a vision for Leith Links as desired by the local community and is subject to funding for implementation.

View  Leith Links Masterplan - City of Edinburgh Council - Citizen Space 

leith links masterplan design

Why an Activity Park? 

There was overwhelming community support for a skatepark/wheeled area/plaza (including a pumptrack) at Leith Links. This was especially championed by the Leith Links Activity Park Campaign Group, a group campaigning for the transformation of disused bowling greens into an inclusive, open-access activity park. 

 (Leith Links Activity Park – We are a group campaigning for the transformation of disused bowling greens in Leith Links into an inclusive, open access activity park.).  

The support drove forward the Activity Hub as one of the pilot and flagship projects of the Leith Links Masterplan - to turn the disused bowling greens into an inclusive and accessible activity space for all ages and transform the pavilion into a café, toilet and community space. 

Developing the Designs 

We worked closely with Landscape Architects and Architects at AtkinsRealis, Skatepark Designers Betongpark (Betongpark Ltd) and the Leith Links Activity Park Campaign Group to develop the designs for the site. 

Leith links activty hub masterplan strategy

 

Firstly, we went out to public consultation and held events in the park to see the level of support for a range of proposals to be included within the space. This also explored feedback and opinions towards transforming the pavilion into a café, toilet and community space.   

The response showed strong support for turning part of the bowling green area into a skatepark, with biodiversity enhancements. 

Read more about the consultation and view concept designs: - Leith Links Activity Hub - City of Edinburgh Council - Citizen Space 

Workshop A place in childhood

To ensure the space is welcoming to everyone, we held a workshop led by A Place in Childhood. (A Place in Childhood | Enabling Child-Friendly Places & Planning).

This workshop was for young people at Leith Links Academy and explored themes around creating a range of spaces that are both active and calm, enhancing the landscape and creating comfortable, youth-friendly safe spaces. Key themes that emerged were the need for sheltered and social seating, seating near activity zones, social play and feature lighting. This workshop was in partnership with AtkinsRealis. 

Picture from the workshop: 

 

 

 

The Skatepark Design 

We are excited to share the designs for the Activity Hub from Betongpark! These designs include the plaza-style skate park - this means a skatepark that feels like the urban environment and allows skaters to decide how to use the space rather than there being one defined route. The skatepark includes features for all levels of skater, including a beginner bowl. The space also includes features such as a pump track and a roller rink. Biodiverse and green elements are also designed into the site. 

Betongpark designs

Highlights include: 

  • Plaza-style skatepark – an urban-inspired space where skaters choose how to use the features, rather than follow one route. 

  • Beginner bowl – suitable for all levels of skaters. 

  • Pump track and roller rink. 

  • Green and biodiverse features integrated into the site. 

Access the Betongpark design in detail. 

We will have the wider landscape and initial building designs coming soon. The wider landscape designs are looking to further activity areas for all ages alongside features such as a parkour area, pentanque court, bouldering space and a sensory garden. 

What’s Next? 

These designs are a big step forward, but there’s more to do. Next steps include securing funding and planning permission. Community engagement will continue at every stage. 

If you would like to get in touch regarding this project contact thrivinggreenspaces@edinburgh.gov.uk