A multi-partner initiative led by the Water of Leith Conservation Trust, in collaboration with Sustrans, has enhanced a well-loved space for the people and wildlife of Leith. The improvements, which include upgrades to a section of National Cycle Network Route 75, are enabling more people to make healthier and sustainable choices for their everyday journeys.
Supporters and partners were in attendance on the 22 May 2024 to celebrate the re-opening of Coalie Park after work completed on a project to transform the well-used and loved space. Credit: Sustrans, 2024.
On 22 May 2024, supporters and partners were in attendance to celebrate the re-opening of Coalie Park after work completed on a project to transform the well-used and loved space.
The Coalie Park Improvement Project, led by the Water of Leith Conservation Trust, is a community-driven initiative to enhance the area for the people and wildlife of Leith.
It has also upgraded a section of National Cycle Network Route 75, creating a safe, attractive and alternative route for both residents and visitors.
Construction began in the park at the end of November 2023.
The history of Coalie Park
Coalie Park lies at the end of the tidal flow of Edinburgh’s river the Water of Leith - one of the most densely populated areas in Scotland.
A former coal depot, railway yard and place for ship repair, it was first regenerated in the 1980s.
The site is an important ‘blue and green space’ and home to a surprising variety of wildlife.
It also forms part of National Cycle Network Route 75 and is a key access route for the local community.
However, as a result of the great pressure on Coalie Park, issues with littering, graffiti and anti-social behaviour had previously been experienced.
The Coalie Park Improvement Project, led by the Water of Leith Conservation Trust, is a community-driven initiative to enhance the area for the people and wildlife of Leith. Credit: Sustrans, 2024.
Shaped by the community
From the very beginning, the project has been informed by the ambitions of the local community and users of Coalie Park.
The Water of Leith Conservation Trust conducted three years of extensive engagement to create somewhere which celebrates the history and heritage of the area.
The works have also made the space accessible for all and created meaningful habitat improvements for wildlife.
A transformative project
With Phase 1 now complete, Coalie Park has achieved its potential and become a valuable recreational space.
The path surface has been fully upgraded, including a beautiful section of resin bonded gravel which depicts the river as a ‘silver thread’.
This, plus the installation of cycle parking, has made it easier and safer than ever for residents and visitors to walk, wheel and cycle to reach nearby destinations, engage in exercise and travel to other parts of the city.
It has also improved the connectivity of National Cycle Network Route 75 which links Scotland’s two largest cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The addition of accessible benches and riverside steps have created new seating areas for all users.
And the local wildlife will also feel the benefits of the project.
Two floating ecosystems have been anchored to the bank of the river to create in-stream habitats.
A new hedgerow, three oak trees, a meadow and ‘coastal’ themed planters have also been added – all helping pollinators.
The path surface has been fully upgraded and cycle parking installed, making it easier and safer than ever for residents and visitors to walk, wheel and cycle. Credit: Sustrans, 2024.
A time for celebration
Following a speech by Helen Brown, Trust Manager for the Water of Leith Conservation Trust, the refurbished Coalie Park signage was unveiled marking its official opening.
Speaking ahead of the event, she said: “We are delighted to pass this well-loved site back to its community following the transformation.
"It has been 42 years since the park was originally created from an abandoned railway yard, and it had fallen into disrepair in recent years, so investment was well overdue.
"We have to thank the many dozens of people who have supported us with this phase of the project”.
The City of Edinburgh Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener, added:
“It’s fantastic to see Coalie Park reopening and the ongoing regeneration of this much-loved community space.
“I’d like to thank the Water of Leith Conservation Trust and everyone else involved in the project for their hard work.”
Rona Gibb, Senior Manager at Paths for All, said:
"We have been delighted to work with the Water of Leith Conservation Trust and support Phase 1 of the Coalie Park Improvement Project.
"The significant changes enable and encourage everyone to use and enjoy this very valuable and multifunctional resource.
"The celebration of the Park’s history and transformation, alongside the habitat improvements, will anchor it firmly in the DNA of the community and provide benefits for many years to come."
Chris Brace, Principal Network Development Manager at Sustrans Scotland, concluded:
“We are very pleased to see phase one of this transformative project to upgrade National Cycle Network Route 75 completed.
“The Coalie Park project is part of Sustrans' wider work to improve and expand the National Cycle Network across Scotland, making it easier for more people to walk, wheel and cycle for their everyday journeys.
"We hope that this, plus the careful consideration of environmental factors including habitat improvements and planting trees, will reduce car dependence in Edinburgh by providing a safe, attractive and alternative way to travel”.
Accessible benches and riverside steps have created new seating areas for all users, and two floating ecosystems have been anchored to the bank of the river to create in-stream habitats for local wildlife. Credit: Sustrans, 2024.
Partnership working
Phase 1 of this project was backed by funding from Paths for All Ian Findlay Fund, the Place Based Investment Programme (administered by the City of Edinburgh Council), Leith Community Fund, Avondale Environmental (Scottish Landfill Communities Fund), the Mushroom Trust and from the Scottish Government through a partnership between Water of Leith Convention Trust and Sustrans.
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