Community views green future
Abandoned Council-owned bowling greens are common across the city, including in the heart of Spurtleshire at Powderhall.
Now, a project to make use of the abandoned Regent Road Bowling Green in Abbeyhill has got under way. This green has truly superb views over Holyrood to Arthur's Seat but is (thankfully) protected from development. At present, at least.
So, how can a new use be found, while keeping it within the public domain?
Kat Chisolm (of the Abbeyhill Colony of Artists) and another local, Tom Adams, have secured a rolling month-by-month lease of the space. But, this is just an interim situation. They hope that a community group could take control of the site on a more permanent basis.
To show the Council that they mean business, they need a formal committee and clear evidence of community engagement. After a
well-attended open day in June, they recently held an online meeting. In it, Kat reflected on the momentum the group has built since the open day held in June – an important step in gauging community interest in transforming and stewarding the green space.
An initial 4-person committee has emerged, which will meet soon with the Development Trusts Association Scotland to explore next steps.
Meanwhile, the group continues to look for others to get involved with Regent Road Community Green. Anyone interested should get in touch here.
For background to June news on this, see the Edinburgh Reporter piece here.—CE
