Prestonfield bowling green

The former bowling green at Prestonfield Park has been out of use since 2020. In response to growing interest in revitalising the space, the City of Edinburgh Council commissioned Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT) to carry out a community consultation to explore potential future uses. This work was undertaken in partnership with the Thriving Greenspaces team as part of a wider effort to enhance local green infrastructure across the city.

The consultation, conducted in 2023, involved a range of engagement activities with local residents, schools, and community organisations. The aim was to understand how the site could best serve the needs of the community, and to identify priorities for its redevelopment. The findings highlighted a strong desire for a space that supports food growing, nature engagement, and opportunities for rest and social interaction.

Read the full report

Popular ideas included a community garden, sensory planting, and wildlife-friendly areas. While some people expressed interest in allotments, there were concerns that gated or individual plots might limit access. Instead, the community favoured a shared, inclusive space that could be enjoyed by everyone. Suggestions also included better connections to the wider park and places to sit, rest, and socialise. 

Over the past year, the project has progressed from consultation to planning and early development. Funding has been secured to begin implementation, including £50,000 from the Council’s food growing initiatives budget and a £500 grant from Balfour Beatty through their Green Spaces public vote. 

Current Phase and Next Steps 

The project is now entering a new phase focused on early delivery and community development. This will include: 

• Community Group Formation: ELGT is working to support the formation of a local group that can eventually take on the management and stewardship of the space. 

• Community Engagement and Activities: A year-long programme of events and workshops will be delivered to build local involvement, develop skills, and encourage long-term participation in the project. 

• Tools and Materials: Resources will be provided to support initial growing activities, helping the community group to get started with planting and maintenance. 

• Design Implementation: Selected elements of the concept design will be delivered in phases, depending on available funding. These may include planting areas, paths, seating, and other features identified during the consultation. 

• Ongoing Fundraising: We will continue to lead efforts to secure additional funding to support the full delivery of the project design. 

As of June 2025, the focus is on building the foundations for long-term community involvement and delivering early improvements to the site. ELGT and the Thriving Greenspaces team will continue to work closely with local residents and stakeholders to ensure the project remains aligned with community needs. 

Further updates will be shared on this webpage as the project progresses.