Leith Central Arts & Masterplan, Edinburgh, Scotland | Architecture Thesis

Site Context

Leith’s autonomy was symbolised by Leith Central Station, but as it declined, it became dependent on the city centre and disconnected Leith from Edinburgh. This project looks at a masterplan for the site and adds density and activity back into the centre of Leith. The masterplan includes over 350 new homes and a variety of spaces for small shops, offices and other active units on the ground floor. By adding a new cultural anchor, Leith hopes to regain some of its autonomy as a distinct location. The new cultural centre serves a number of purposes in an effort to involve the community, promote unity, and cultivate a sense of pride and community spirit.

Design Process

The project was completed in two stages, first the masterplan and then going to a detailed design of the new cultural building. Due to the complexity of history behind the site, a lot of time was spent understanding the cultural history and significance of the site. This allowed for a response that is both needed for the community and appropriate for the site. Due to Leith’s historic nature, the masterplan looked at creating streets with similar proportions and attributes to be authentic to its context. 

The process for the central arts was about showing the layers of history through the design. Experimentation was done on different materials and designs to find a solution that was contextual but also told the story of what was, and what is.

Final Outcome

The intervention has the potential to reshape the centre of Leith. The masterplan brings back lost density to the centre and aims to create a healthy and sustainable urban environment.  The Central Arts serves as a multi-functional community asset, bringing together the older community of Leith and its rapidly growing new population. The building accommodates various functions, providing numerous opportunities for people to connect and engage through art.

The massing enhances the civic presence by adding significant scale to the site, without overshadowing the existing building. The structure is composed of three distinct layers: existing structure, the middle course, and the crown. The key element within the building is the circulation drum, which unifies the different functions. A central water pool serves as a symbol of its unique position in Leith. Drawing inspiration from circular momentum, the drum links two public spaces, enabling fluid movement between them.

The exterior additions incorporate vertical elements to emphasize the rhythm of the classical façade, merging traditional and contemporary styles. The new facade aligns with the existing building layer, echoing the arches that previously supported the raised platforms.

Conclusion: The revitalization of the former Leith Central Train Station transforms the anti-urban location into a vibrant community hub. Through innovative design, the masterplan envisions The Central Arts as a focal point for culture, arts, and social interaction. By integrating spaces for living, working, and leisure, the project revitalizes Leith’s identity and strengthens its cultural significance beyond Edinburgh’s city centre.

[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]