The City of Edinburgh Council is asking the public to have their say in the future of Saughton Park.
Consultation has now begun on the proposed master plan for Saughton Park, which is set to undergo a £5.3m renovation.
A series of exhibitions will be held throughout March, allowing people to see ambitious designs by landscape architects Ironside Farrar Ltd and Sutherland Hussey Architects, which aim to restore the 17th century garden’s historic elements.
Detailed proposals were developed using extensive feedback on initial plans given in December by stakeholders and members of the public.
Councillor Lesley Hinds, Environment Convener, said:
Saughton Park has a long and proud history and this is your chance to help give it a fantastic future. I think these proposals are very exciting and will restore the park to its former glory, to be enjoyed by residents from nearby and beyond.
That’s why it’s so important that people take part in the consultation and tell us what they think of our ambitious plans.
For initial plans the design team, which also includes Peter McGowan Associates, Richard Shorter Architect and David Narro Associates, drew on findings from a visitor satisfaction survey undertaken by Community First Partnership and interactive events held with the public.
Among proposals to revitalise the park are the restoration of the walled gardens, bandstand and winter gardens and development of the stable block and yard to create a new park café, public toilets, staff facilities, community venue and volunteer base.
An exciting and diverse programme of events and activities is also being developed to cater for all ages, abilities and interests. It will provide opportunities for volunteering and learning, as well as encouraging more people to come along and enjoy all that the park has to offer.
The Council is working with Jura Consultants to develop a business plan for the park which could help fund some of these activities.
Following the consultation, which will run until 6 April 2015, the Council will make a second round bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the funding needed to carry out these restoration works. Almost £400,000 was secured last year from Heritage Lottery Fund in order to prepare a bid for funding.
Residents can view the proposals and complete a questionnaire online through the Council website.
Exhibitions will also be held during March and April in various locations, including Saughton Park, Carrickvale Community Centre and Slateford Green Community Centre, where staff will be on hand to discuss proposals. The public can also fill out questionnaires on the designs at these exhibitions. Full details of events are available on the Council website.
Find out more about Saughton Park plans on the Council website.
Exhibition Event details
Fri 6 March, 12pm to 3pm, Winter Gardens, Saughton Park
Sat 14 March, 10am to 3pm, Spring Fever Event and Plant Sale, Saughton Park
Thu 19 March, 6pm to 9pm, Slateford Green Community Centre
Wed 25 March, 1pm to 6pm, Carrickvale Community Centre
Sat 28 March, 12pm to 3pm, Winter Gardens, Saughton Park
Sat 4 April, 12pm to 3pm, Easter Bear Hunt, Saughton Park
Saughton Park design displays (questionnaires can be filled out here)
Mon 2 March to Mon 6 April, Winter Gardens, Saughton Park
Mon 2 March to Sun 8 March, Fountainbridge Library
Mon 9 March to Sun 15 March, Central Library
Mon 16 March to Sun 22 March, St Bride’s Community Centre
Mon 23 March to Sun 29 March, Carrickvale Community Centre
Mon 30 March to Wed 1 April, Hermitage of Braid Visitor Centre
Thu 2 April to Mon 6 April Sainsbury’s, Murrayfield
