Former Edinburgh stable block to be transformed into studios, workspaces and function rooms

AN old stable block at the former Powderhall refuse depot could be transformed into studios, workspaces and function rooms by the end of next year.

The city council has set aside up to £790,000 for the project and has also secured £1.21 million Scottish Government funding from its Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.

And now a planning application has been submitted by Collective Architecture, who are designing the development for the council.

The proposal is to carry out a comprehensive restoration of the B-listed 1890s former stable block on Broughton Road, bringing it back into use as a modern work and events space.

The Powderhall Stables project is part of the wider regeneration of the former Powderhall Waste Transfer Station and the adjacent former bowling green. The main site has already been levelled and preparatory work is under way for construction of more than 200 homes – over a third of them affordable – along with a new nursery and additional green space.

The council says the stable block interior will be refurbished to deliver a flexible mix of individual studios and working spaces which can be adapted to suit different ways of working, along with two large function rooms with catering facilities.

The idea is the studios and offices will be let out to individual artists and micro-enterprises.

The former stable yard to the rear of the building will be turned into an outdoor square, capable of hosting events such as street markets and outdoor exhibitions.

Housing convener Kate Campbell said: “I'm delighted to see this development progressing. Edinburgh needs flexible, affordable spaces in the city for artists and businesses and Powderhall Stables will support dozens of jobs and the local economy.

"The current Covid-19 crisis is a reminder of just how important it is for buildings to be flexible and future-proofed - and redevelopments like this will provide the city with more adaptable spaces.

"It's also a great opportunity to drive forward inclusive growth as we recover from the pandemic and provide something which benefits the whole community - like Powderhall's planned function space, which could be used in a number of ways from after-school clubs to outdoor-only events."

And housing vice-convener Mandy Watt added: "Many people in Edinburgh will have fond memories of this building and will be pleased to see these plans brought forward. We want to restore the Victorian features, create brand new affordable homes and bring it back into community use.

"The restoration of the stable block will be the centre-piece of this project and make the most of the prime location so that it benefits local workers and the whole area.

"It also comes at an important turning point for the city. Development is going to be crucial as we recover from the current pandemic and more than ever, we need our events and workspaces to be flexible and fit for the future."

Emma Fairhurst, of Collective Architecture, said the stable block hada strong presence on Broughton Road and the project would bring new life to a special building.

"The exterior works focus on careful repair of the stonework, roof and windows along with landscaping works to provide a public square through the opened up pend. Some contemporary larger openings are added to the rear wing, to bring lots of natural daylight into the function spaces and to give views out towards the Water of Leith.

"Internally, artist studios are proposed to be located in individual rooms on the ground floor which were once the horse stables, and the upper floor offers a flexible workspace, in the old hayloft. The function rooms occupy the old workshops and smithy.

"Few original features remain internally, but we plan to carefully repair and retain these to help tell the story of the original building use."

The council says it plans to appoint an operator for the building. Subject to planning permission, the new Powderhall Stables could open in late 2021.