National Lottery Heritage Grants £250,000 to £10 million
Located on Calton Hill, the A-listed neoclassical building was designed in 1826 by architect Thomas Hamilton, who also designed the nearby Burns Monument.
After half a century of uncertainty over its future, we're supporting an ambitious plan to convert the building into a cultural destination. The new National Centre for Music will be home to three performance spaces, rehearsal rooms, a recording studio, learning areas and a community hub, with landscaped public gardens offering panoramic city views.
The project is delivering jobs, apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities as well as contributing significantly to the future of Edinburgh’s economy and cultural life. It aims to welcome around 290,000 visitors annually and serve as a creative hub for communities across Scotland.
The building's history as a place of education and a prospective Scottish parliament will be explored through physical and digital exhibits throughout the site. During Edinburgh's world-famous festival, the Centre will become a focal point for musical performances, both inside and in temporary structures in the rejuvenated gardens.
Jenny Jamison, Creative Director and Chief Executive of the National Centre for Music, said: “The support from the Heritage Fund will allow us to move forward with the preservation of this wonderful building – as we create a nourishing and inspiring environment for music and culture in the city and a place for people of all musical passions to gather and celebrate.”
Discover more heritage projects that we're supporting across Scotland – from the country's first permanent Shinty Museum to helping nature flourish in the heart of Cumbernauld.
