A new public park, Gasholder 1 Park, officially opened in Edinburgh on Friday, 4 April, marking a significant milestone in the £1.3 billion regeneration of Granton Waterfront. The park, located within the restored gasholder frame, offers panoramic views of the Firth of Forth.

The opening ceremony, led by Council Leader Jane Meagher and Minister for Employment and Investment Tom Arthur, was attended by representatives from McLaughlin & Harvey, the main contractor, as well as local community groups. A family fun day and ribbon-cutting ceremony followed on Saturday, 5 April.

The 1.2-hectare park features six distinct zones, including three play areas, open green spaces, and an inner ring walk with seating. An outdoor exhibition showcases the history of Granton gasworks and the restoration process. The park's entrance is marked by large Hollywood-style lettering, enhancing its visibility.

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Key features of the park include:

• Restored Gasholder Frame: The iconic frame, now permanently lit at night, serves as a beacon in north Edinburgh.

• Play Areas: Three zones with a variety of play equipment.

• Outdoor Exhibition: Detailing the history of the site.

• Humpback Whale Sculpture: A new sculpture, commissioned by the council following community input, sits at the park's centre.

The park's creation was supported by £1.2 million from the Scottish Government's Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme, following earlier refurbishment of the frame funded by the UK Government.

Graham Brown, Senior Contracts Manager at McLaughlin & Harvey, highlighted the project's engineering challenges, stating, "Gasholder 1 Park was a unique restoration project to deliver for the City of Edinburgh Council. In deconstructing the old bell, refurbishing the listed steel structure, and repainting the frame, we have solved complex engineering challenges."

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: "The Gasholder 1 Park opening is a huge milestone reached for the £1.3bn Granton Waterfront project. It is really inspiring to look out over this important piece of coastal land for our Capital city and see these much needed homes and other facilities literally springing up out of the ground."

Investment Minister Tom Arthur said: "We have contributed £1.2 million towards transformation of Granton's Gasholder from a derelict site to a vibrant and accessible space for people to enjoy."

UK Government Minister for Local Growth, Alex Norris, said: "The refurbishment of the derelict gas holder structure has provided a real beacon of light to Edinburgh, retaining its unique history and character, while wider transformation work is underway to Granton Waterfront."