Portobello scoops top UK neighbourhood award

LONG-since considered a jewel in the Capital’s crown, Portobello’s secret is out after it scooped a prestigious UK award.

The seaside suburb has been voted the best neighbourhood in the UK and Ireland at the 2020 Urbanism Awards in London.

Judges were wowed by Porty’s community spirit while locals were welcoming of, but not surprised by, the accolade.

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His is one of 25 mixed flats from one-bedroom to penthouses with balconies and a communal rooftop garden attracting families, professionals and pensioners in a project that encapsulates Porty’s renaissance.

“It was a horrible 1970s concrete block of a building but local builders have done an excellent job in converting them,” said the 57-year-old PR consultant.

“It’s an amazing place to stay with lots of amenities and amazing access to town and what an asset the beach is - it’s stunning.”

So all-encompassing is Porty’s community spirit, it covers everything from beach cleans to craft fairs at the Bellfield community centre in what was Portobello Old Parish Church.

And the great rush to Porty is set to continue, with nearly 2,500 homes lined up on land in and around the suburb - transforming the community forever.

Developers have lodged planning applications for a raft of sites, bidding to cash in on daunting house-building targets.

Though while widespread acceptance of the need for more housing exists, so do fears for already under-pressure GP surgeries, schools and roads.

Barratt Homes has built 500 homes at Baileyfield South, on the site of the current Standard Life buildings, just off Portobello High Street, with 200 and an Aldi on a neighbouring plot.

David Marshall of Warners estate agents said such popularity comes at a price.

“The Portobello market has been incredibly strong for sellers over the last two years and, if anything, the market has accelerated even more in recent months.

“Naturally we would not expect house prices to continue to rise by double digits each year over the long term. Such growth is not sustainable, but at present there are few signs of things slowing down in Portobello.”

"To be recognised like this is always good"

A staple of Portobello High Street for more than years has been Findlays, the family butchers.

“To be recognised like this is always good - that somebody has noticed us,” said owner Billy Hoy, 56.

“We’ve got new shops coming in and it makes a difference. It’s buzzing and soon the cobbles will be finished which opens it up more,” added Billy, of the project to re-sett Brighton Place.

If Findlay’s is one of Porty’s more established firms, then popular independent, The Portobello Bookshop, launched in July, is one of its welcome newer additions.

Owner Jack Clark, 34, said: “It’s a really unique place and we say all the time how happy we are to be based here with its mix of old and new.

“People are so conscientious here in preserving the past but also looking to the future - it’s so orientated around the community.”

“It’s lovely down here"

Daniel Kralovic, manager of the Beach House cafe said the award comes as no surprise as Portobello blends the old with the new.

“It’s lovely down here and we get a lot of new people,” said the 27-year-old. “It’s mostly tourists in the summer, not as much at this time of year.

“But we have people moving to Portobello and the area as well who then become local and come in too.”

The neighbourhood fought off strong competition from fellow finalists Levenshulme in Manchester and South Bank in Leeds.

Labour Portobello councillor of nearly 25 years, and resident of 46 years, Maureen Child collected the award at a ceremony in London.

“I’m immensely proud to be a Portobello citizen and an Edinburgh citizen,” said Cllr Child. “Portobello is famed for its campaigns against bad things happening but also for coming together to make good things happen.

“We will continue to do so in a fantastic partnership between all elected members - of whatever party - and the community we have the privilege to represent.”

They recognise Britain and Ireland’s best place, street, neighbourhood and town, as well as Europe’s best city.

Voted on by its members, the academy judges against a number of social, economic and environmental factors, including good governance and commercial success.

The theme of this year’s Urbanism Awards was ‘inclusivity’ and welcomed nominations from places that demonstrate diversity.

The assessment team also recognised ‘sensitive and responsive’ council policy for its close community working.

Judges found Portobello showed how well-designed and innovative contemporary housing design can be successfully integrated with traditional types.

They spoke of the needs top retain mixed uses and housing provision - particularly in the face of rising property prices an the influx of people priced out of central Edinburgh.

David Rudlin, chair of the Academy, said: “Portobello is Edinburgh’s sea front and could so easily be another slightly run-down resort were it not for the energy and strength of the local community.

“Community-based initiatives and high-quality new housing have made it a great place to live and spend a day out but managed to avoid gentrification.”

Depute Planning Convener Councillor Maureen Child collected the award on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council on Wednesday.

She said: "Sand, sea and a strong wave of community spirit make Portobello a truly special neighbourhood.

"This award recognises what we in the Capital already know; that our seafront is a thriving and sustainable place to call home, to work or go to school or to simply spend the day.

"With a tight-knit network of local and independent businesses and an abundance of welcoming events and get-togethers, the Council is proud to work closely with planners, the Community Council and others to enhance and retain the many features which make Portobello so wonderfully distinctive and inclusive."