Rubber works was once Edinburgh’s largest industry. The Castle Mill Works were the headquarters of the world-renowned North British Rubber Company and produced a diverse range of rubber goods and employed over 3000 staff.

Unfortunately, since the factory’s closure in the 1960s, the condition of the building declined and faced possible demolition. Community support for the protection of the building was high so the Edinburgh Printmakers stepped in to turn things around and repurpose the site.

Edinburgh Printmakers have run arts education programmes for almost 50 years, but took on new responsibilities for heritage in order to save the at-risk building.

The charity applied for a Start Up grant to assess the feasibility of redevelopment of Castle Mills. Using funds from this grant, Edinburgh Printmakers undertook the site assessments and surveys necessary to make a good application to HLF’s Heritage Enterprise programme, which was ultimately successful.

Capital work is now underway and the centre will open to the public in 2018. The restored building will offer a programme of events, exhibitions and workshops. Find out more on the Edinburgh Printmakers website.