Major cultural and religious centre to reopen in Leith, Edinburgh
Around £322,000 has been invested in the property, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Historic Scotland and the Hindu Mandir Community, with project support from the City of Edinburgh Council. As well as a comprehensive programme of cultural classes and activities, the centre will provide facilities for wider community use.
The refurbishment works included roof and stonework repairs, improvements to the main entrance, installing a lift and heating and redecoration. Developments to the B-listed building were completed in March and carried out by Cornhill Building Services.
Lord Provost, Cllr George Grubb, said: "The Hindu community deserve praise for the efforts that have been put in over the years to bring the project to this stage. However, it will be used by a wide range of people in the area. It's excellent news for them and Edinburgh that this fine building has been restored to its near original glory. I am also pleased that the Council was able to support this initiative."
Colin McLean, Head of the HLF in Scotland, said: "We launched our Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) grant programme over 10 years ago as we found that for regeneration to really work, it had to have roots. Roots make a place unique, connect people to their history and affirm their identity. Thanks to the THI programme, the centre now has a new lease of life as a hub for the local Hindu community and a cultural centre for the people of Leith."
Mukund Joshi of the centre said: "It will be a great pleasure for us all to celebrate the reopening with our guests. The essential works now mean the centre will meet modern standards, safeguarding this historic building and vital facility for people in our area."
Martin Fairley, Head of Investment at Historic Scotland, said: "We are very pleased that we have been able to support the renovation of the Hindu Mandir cultural centre in Leith through the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme."
The project is part of the Leith Townscape Heritage Intiative.
Notes to editors
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported more than 26,000 projects, allocating more than £1/2billion across Scotland.
The refurbishment works included roof and stonework repairs, improvements to the main entrance, installing a lift and heating and redecoration. Developments to the B-listed building were completed in March and carried out by Cornhill Building Services.
Lord Provost, Cllr George Grubb, said: "The Hindu community deserve praise for the efforts that have been put in over the years to bring the project to this stage. However, it will be used by a wide range of people in the area. It's excellent news for them and Edinburgh that this fine building has been restored to its near original glory. I am also pleased that the Council was able to support this initiative."
Colin McLean, Head of the HLF in Scotland, said: "We launched our Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) grant programme over 10 years ago as we found that for regeneration to really work, it had to have roots. Roots make a place unique, connect people to their history and affirm their identity. Thanks to the THI programme, the centre now has a new lease of life as a hub for the local Hindu community and a cultural centre for the people of Leith."
Mukund Joshi of the centre said: "It will be a great pleasure for us all to celebrate the reopening with our guests. The essential works now mean the centre will meet modern standards, safeguarding this historic building and vital facility for people in our area."
Martin Fairley, Head of Investment at Historic Scotland, said: "We are very pleased that we have been able to support the renovation of the Hindu Mandir cultural centre in Leith through the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme."
The project is part of the Leith Townscape Heritage Intiative.
Notes to editors
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported more than 26,000 projects, allocating more than £1/2billion across Scotland.