Positive Steps Forward for St. Oswalds Centre
Works to restore St Oswalds Centre in Bruntsfield, Edinburgh are progressing well with phase one works underway. The centre was taken into community ownership in 2021, and the St Oswalds Centre Community group have been working to restore the building. Their vision is to create a thriving, family-focused, community hub which will facilitate opportunities for local residents. In doing so, they will bring a dilapidated building back to life for future generations of Bruntsfield to enjoy.
Inside St. Oswalds
GLM have been providing Architectural and Building Surveying support for the restoration of the B-listed property. Currently, the phase one works are underway which will make the building wind and water tight. These are remedial works which are required to bring the facility up to a functional state and protect it from further damage. GLM are overseeing the works on site with Allanbrook acting as Main Contractor and Structural Engineers from Narro Associates. Following this, the phase two works will be carried out which involve a single storey extension to the rear and internal alterations to provide greater accessibility at the venue.
Rotten timbers are being uncovered and repaired, just one example of the Phase 1 work
GLM recently received planning and listed building consent for adaptations related to the phase two works, specifically, to carefully install Air Source Heat Pumps as the main heat source for the building. This reflects the long-term aims of the centre to have minimal environmental impact, and so, the air source heat pumps will reduce their carbon footprint and put St Oswalds ahead of Edinburgh City Council’s aim to reach net zero by 2030.
GLM continues to work closely with St Oswalds to hopefully open their doors mid 2023 to facilitate the wide range of clubs within the Bruntsfield area.
A recent open evening at St. Oswalds
Local residents, families and groups now have the opportunity to become members of St. Oswald’s and thereby help to develop, shape and support a sustainable future for this community hub.
If you would like to participate in this community initiative and contribute to a thriving, intergenerational public space, you can sign up here.
