A MULTI-MILLION-POUND international sculpture centre – the first of its kind in the UK – is set to get the go-ahead to open in Edinburgh.
Councillors have been recommended to approve the plan for the purpose-built centre on the site of an existing sculpture workshop in Newhaven.
The £4.5 million facility, built in a former railway shed at Hawthornvale, will double the size of the
existing centre, creating space for specialist workshops for artists working in wood, metal and mixed media, as well as an expanded IT suite with digital and media equipment.
There will also be a learning space with workbenches, sinks and storage, a project space providing a large, open plan area for developing projects and exhibiting work, and a research centre.
In addition, there will be around 30 artists' studios available and it is hoped that up to 3000 people will use the facilities each year. At least 4000 people are expected to attend on-site exhibitions, tours, talks and open days.
Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop chiefs drew up plans for the building as they felt the current premises were unsuitable, mainly because of a lack of space and also because the current building is in a poor state of repair.
There have been nine objections to the proposals, most from residents concerned about an increase in noise and traffic, although a spokeswoman for the sculpture workshop said there would be less of a problem with noise in the new building.
"Currently there is no sound proofing as the building we are in really is unfit for purpose, so we would expect there to be fewer problems in the new building," she said.
The project has the backing of several high-profile figures in Edinburgh's art community, including Professor Jake Harvey, head of the school of sculpture at Edinburgh College of Art.
Sandy Campbell, chairman of Leith Festival Association, said: "This new building will be a crucial new resource for social and cultural development in Leith.
"Despite the rapid development in the area, it will be one of just a few cultural and education facilities available for residents, and will undoubtedly benefit the area and the organisations already here. The development will also help to make the area feel safer and more welcoming for residents and visitors."
Alan Henderson, the council's head of planning and strategy, has recommended councillors approve planning permission at a meeting tomorrow.
He said: "This building will provide the only dedicated sculpture working facilities in Edinburgh, and is therefore a cultural asset to the city and its citizens."
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