Protecting the Heart of Newhaven
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Giving a new life to Edinburgh’s oldest working school
When it became clear the Heart of Newhaven, Edinburgh’s oldest working primary school, could no longer accommodate the number of pupils in the area, the community feared the building would fall into private hands.
Situated within a conservation area, the iconic main building, built in 1844, is a local landmark. Grade B listed and part of the original Newhaven village, its cultural heritage and connections to the community go back to the area’s roots in fishing.
In 2020 the Heart of Newhaven Community SCIO was formed and undertook a successful Community Asset Transfer on behalf of the community. Funding to buy the school was then secured from The Scottish Land Fund. Saving the buildings ensured they will continue as a much-needed community space in an area where these types of spaces are in short supply.
Making a difference to the community
Following the successful transfer of the building, the community has wasted no time in establishing a wide range of activities at the Heart. Their focus is on delivering projects across three main themes of ‘Culture & Heritage’, ‘Learning and Enterprise’ and ‘Health and Wellbeing’. Sitting across these is an overarching commitment to intergenerational work, bringing people together and keeping a connection to the previous use of the building as a school.
The community hub that is now run from the Heart offers spaces for theatre and dance groups, choir and music groups, sport and performances of all kinds, artists’ studios, community meeting rooms for rent, a Victorian School Room, run by partner the History of Education Centre, The Wee Museum with displays of local heritage, Dementia meeting place, Pregnancy café, community teaching kitchen, much needed early years’ provision, a Community Garden and The Creel (a portacabin) for the Men’s Shed to carry on their activities.
Situated within a conservation area, the iconic main building, built in 1844, is a local landmark. Grade B listed and part of the original Newhaven village, its cultural heritage and connections to the community go back to the area’s roots in fishing.
Funding the project
Heart of Newhaven was awarded £300,000 from the Community Ownership Fund - £250,000 in capital and £50,00 of revenue ‘to deliver the restoration and renovation of a former primary school for community use’. The grant needs to be matched with equivalent funding and work continues to secure further amounts.
Getting the right support
A number of organisations assisted with essential support and advice as the project was developed. The Community Ownership Support Service provided guidance throughout the asset transfer, helping to navigate the complexities involved with this process. The Scottish Land Fund advisor was important in helping with the early stages of the project and guiding the community through the acquisition of the building. Architectural Heritage Fund provided funding and support to meet architect fees.
A local organisation, Pilmeny Development Project, was instrumental in supporting the Heart to become established, advising on developing intergenerational projects. They remain a key delivery partner.
Important partnerships are now being developed with other organisations in the area. Heart of Newhaven Community are part of Restoration Forth, led by World Wildlife Fund with The Heart being one of 6 community hubs around the Firth of Forth aiming to re-introduce seagrass and oysters. In addition, working with a range of public and third sector partners on primary care development ensures the Heart contributes to a strategic approach to wellbeing in Newhaven.
Final thoughts
- Considering and planning all your match funders requirements and deadlines is essential to ensure funding isn’t lost
- Volunteer-led projects are challenging for those involved, a considerable level of knowledge and time is required to interact with what can be challenging processes. Bring in paid staff or make use of expert advisors whenever possible
- Well evidenced community consultation is essential for any project – get it done properly and at an early stage
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