Gorgie City Farm will reopen as a community space, focusing on gardens, events, and inclusivity for local residents
Edinburgh: A new company is stepping in to take over Gorgie City Farm with a 25-year lease. This beloved community spot closed its doors two years ago, but now there’s hope for its revival.
Gorgie Community Farm Ltd won the bid among four contenders and is set to get the green light from the council soon. They’re all about keeping the farm a vibrant place for the community.
The plan is to kick things off with volunteer gardens, community events, and even a play area for kids. Sounds fun, right? They did mention that bringing back animals, which everyone loved, might take a few years due to costs.
The council wants to make sure the farm is open to everyone, including local groups. They’re also keen on keeping the place well-maintained and ensuring the community is involved in the process.
Gorgie Community Farm Ltd has a vision for a sustainable and inclusive space that boosts the well-being of locals through collaboration and education. They’re planning workshops and events starting in February, with a coffee kiosk and play area expected by May.
They’ll be responsible for all maintenance and are looking to partner with other organizations to help with expenses. One exciting partnership is with Edinburgh Forge, which will move to Gorgie and offer hands-on creative workshops.
They’re also in talks with other potential partners to help generate income and reduce reliance on grants. The current board has three members but aims to expand to five, and they’re looking to hire more staff.
Gorgie City Farm has had its share of struggles, especially after the pandemic, but there’s a plan in place to tackle the £5 million needed for repairs. It’s a big challenge, but the new company believes a sustainable partnership can make it work.
If everything goes well, the council will finalize the lease agreement soon. Exciting times ahead for Gorgie City Farm!
