Cafe, farm shop and offices part of charity's community hub plans for Leith Links pavilion

An artist's impression of the plans for the Leith Links pavilion (Photo: Simpson and Brown)

A 100-year-old pavilion could be transformed into a charity and community hub if plans are approved by councillors.

The Leith Links pavilion, which is believed to date back to 1914, is in a dilapidated state but could be given a new lease of life.

Plans submitted to Edinburgh City Council by the charity Leith Community Crops in Pots (LCCIP) detail plans for a farm shop, cafe, offices and educational and community spaces for the new pavilion.

The Leith Links pavilion (Photo: Simpson and Brown)

The proposals include retaining and repairing the existing pavilion as well as creating a modest extension to the back of the building.

'A new flexible multi-purpose space'

The charity, which runs a community croft in the north of Leith Links, would use the building as a community space to help support the work of the charity.

In the design and access statement for the plans, put together by architects Simpson and Brown, the plans are described as being designed to be “flexible”.

It states: “The extension provides a new flexible multi-purpose space for training and community hire.

“It was felt that to best align with LCCIP’s strategic plan and to address the need for training and community space that this plan provides enough accommodation and built-in flexibility to allow the charity to function, whilst meeting its current needs and addressing its future goals.”

'We want to improve physical and metal wellbeing'

Plans have been given informal support by planning officers within the council, with one official stating “this project is something which would be supported by planning as it offers a potential enhancement to the use of the open space while providing a useful community facility”.

The charity was set up to improve health and wellbeing, community cohesion and the environment for the people of Leith through traditional crofting, albeit in an urban environment.

LCCIP said: “Most importantly, it would make it possible for us to present our integrated work as a pioneering role model in the use of common good resources for social and environmental good, in particular with regard to the ‘urban croft’ concept.

“We want to improve physical and mental wellbeing, and combat environmental degradation, by building a community around renewed contact with the land and the growing and appreciation of sustainable, healthy food.”