Arts Attacked

Last week saw a flurry of activity across the country as a variety of community and arts groups got involved in celebrating World Community Arts Day.2012 on Friday 17th Feb

Events around Edinburgh included street art with The Wee Blue Box, poetry from Craigmiller Writers Group, and a craft market and tapestry exhibition at Cockenzie House to name a few but WORLD Community Arts Day has a much wider reach with events happening in Ireland, Poland, Mexico and many other countries.

However, all is not well in the Arts Community as new legislation is due to be introduced on 1st April which will make events like this much harder to participate in.
Not only is the arts and culture sector facing massive cuts but now grassroots organisations are going to be taxed for being creative and innovative too!
Already the opportunities which exist for new work to be displayed are limited as many gallery fees are exclusive to those on a low income and community spaces where emerging talent can be developed and shared are continually being lost as budgets are cut and assets sold.

 The new Public Entertainment Licencing Fees to be introduced through the controversial Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act of 2010 has huge implications for the licensing of small scale, temporary, free artistic or musical events.

It has caused uproar in the artistic community with Creative Scotland, numerous other arts organisations and individuals speaking out about the impact this will have on grassroots arts and culture initiatives.



A petition calling for fees to be scrapped has been set up now WHICH YOU CAN SIGN HERE!

Edinburgh's underground scene set to be buried

There was more bad news for Edinburgh's city centre as today the Bongo Club announced they were to be evicted by Edinburgh University.
The loss of this unique venue follows fast on the heals of news that another well loved venue which is home to a wide range of homegrown clubs, is to close for 'refurbishment' at the end of this month. The loss of  Cabaret Voltaire, is seen by many as a betrayal by new owners G1 who claimed to be pursuing a "hands off " approach when they took over the lease last year.

A petition to try and save the Bongo Club has been set up already in the hope Edinburgh University Management can be persuaded to review their decision CLICK HERE
A Save Bongo Club Facebook page to show support and share ideas for action has also been set up.

The Bongo and OOTB's home at New St (now demolished)

This is not the first time Bongo have been forced out the city. In 2005 Out of the Blue were evicted from New St along with their club the Bongo. Local traders and small businesses, New Street Studios, the Sunday Market and numerous crafters and artists were evicted from the old bus depot (now demolished) and Canongate Venture. Fortunately the old Bongo Club found a new home close by within  Moray House but OOTB moved to Leith. Many other artists, creatives and independent businesses from New St area were forced to leave Edinburgh as affordable workspace in the city centre disappeared.
 

The Big Red Door (now closed)

We have seen the loss of many community facilities, arts organisations and venues across the city centre in recent years (The Big Red Door, Forest Cafe, Dumbiedykes IT Centre, Panmuir House, The Venue and The Roxy to name a few) as the council sells off valued land and assets to encourage speculative redevelopment schemes focused on increasing land values. Edinburgh University, who want to redevelop the Bongo club for offices, already have permission for a significant amount of redevelopment for student accommodation and facilities around the Moray House area.

In the desperate drive to create more 'events space', tourism accommodation, luxury flats class 'A' shops and offices in the city centre, the council are forgetting to provide for people whose presence create the 'living city centre' used in so much of their promotional material. Their hope is it will stimulate the local economy, but this kind of gentrification is known to create little economic benefit to the neighbourhood.

Its time for a change!
Although the Scottish Government have expressed encouragement and provided some financial support for communities to take over management of local assets and have a greater say in the running of their neighbourhoods, some local authorities have proved they are not willing to support (or even listen to) community initiatives!

As we approach the Local Government elections it's time to ask your councillor what they have done to support community initiatives or facilities in their area, and ask candidates what will they do differently.

Community Visioning

Today Edinburgh Council launched their Canal Strategy to develop a new 'canal culture' across communities stretching from Tollcross to Ratho. This strategy was put out to consultation last summer and whilst many support the development of environmental and access improvements to the Canal, concerns were again raised by local residents of the 'planned' developments beside the canal corridor. Any concerns raised about the proposed canal side developments were dismissed as being the subject of Local Plan proposals and development frameworks.

But is the Local Plan working?
In the Local Plan the masterplans and development briefs (now more than 5 years old) for Caltongate, Quartermile, and Fountainbridge are identified as the development propsals which will deliver offices, leisure and retail units, tourist and business developments as well as (the only) new housing planned for the city centre. Whilst there are plenty of empty  available offices around the city centre, and continued intrest for developing additional hotels, delivery of approved housing development in the city centre has not been successful.

The recently produced Local Plan Monitoring Report states only 247 of the approved 1069 residential units have been completed at Quartermile, only 77 of the 1206 approved residential units have been completed at Fountainbridge and no development has been achieved at Caltongate.

Many communities feel it is now necessary to take a lead in the planning process and come forward with their own visions for the development of their neighbourhoods.
Acttive citizens in the Tollcross/Fountainbridge area are taking the lead in their community and are holding an event next Saturday.

It is time that Councillors listened to their constituents and ensure officials embrace community led initiatives to find solutions which are economically and socially sustainable.

Geddes - planner, polymath or protester

This week it was reported that a campaign to raise funds for a statue of Patrick Geddes was launched, but is a statue the most fitting tribute to the man who shaped the evolution of society, planning and education with his novel approach? Perhaps an arts project demonstrating cooperation between community and artist-intellectuals, which describes the social and cultural legacy of Geddes in Edinburgh and gives opportunity for skills development, would be more fitting.

Born in Ballater in 1854 without the privilege of a wealthy background, Patrick Geddes was to become a major influence internationally for developing a new type of evolutionary education based on his idea 'by living we learn'. He is many things to many people, having influenced direction and development of so many subjects like botany, biology, sociology, education, arts, civics, housing, environmentalism, politics and of course town planning which he developed through his methods of surveying and analysis, bringing together social science and evolutionary science

Patrick Geddes with Bombay students (image source The Patrick Geddes Memorial Trust)

He studied and worked in Paris, Montpelier, Mexico, Palestine and Bombay, as well as in Dublin, Edinburgh, London and Dundee where he promoted civic activism, education, cultural revival and preservation of heritage and craft as a key to social improvements. 

Believing that whether poor or prosperous, life would be improved by evolving to a higher, healthier cultural affinity with an aesthetically enhanced environment, he applied his methods of survey and analysis to understand the important links between the physical, environmental and cultural aspects of each place. He understood that urban development depended on a grasp of environmental context and historical and cultural tradition and that civic action and evolutionary education was required to redress social justice in our

'largely Paleotechnic working-towns with their ominous contrasts of inferior conditions for the labouring majority, with comfort and luxury too uninspiring at best for the few' (Geddes, 1915).

A key advocate in the development of visual arts and traditional crafts, through his work with the Edinburgh Social Union he promoted the Celtic revival and commissioned artists to undertake works of art, murals, drinking fountains which would uplift the spirit and reinforce the public connection with their national traditions and culture. This development in arts and crafts traditions complemented his programmes for local residents to improve themselves and their local environment through participating in childcare, household management and gardening classes.

It was through his development of methodology for survey and analysis, which also recognised the importance of art, heritage and culture, that the 'conservative surgery' approach to development and urban renewal was developed and reinforced by those who followed him and had responsibility for managing development in the city

The importance of the connection between public health and environment is again being recognised as society struggles to find solutions to the current global environmental, social and economic problems.

Geddes is today often celebrated through exhibitions, plaques and books but his influence can also be seen today in the work of his followers in the communities which continue to evolve using his approach. Whether restoring gardens or holding conferences, his influence is felt today not by gazing on pictures or statues of him but through discovery of the vast body of international work which he influenced. The continued activism of  citizens who carry on his work whether reviving a centre for Learning and Conservation or campaigning internationally on issues of environment, peace and social justice is a lasting tribute to him.

Are you engaged yet?

Back in 2005 Scottish Government endorsed the National Standards of Community Consultation this, along with new rules in Planning to for pre-application consultation, was intended to ensure fairness in the delivery and planning of services but is it being used?

Last week Edinburgh Council held a Charrette (the new jargon for stakeholder workshop) to engage with community and council about how to improve the Royal Mile.

These issues and many other urgent issues (lack of affordable and family housing, access to public land and parks, absence of community space closed off roads, management of city centre events, enforcement of planning and licencing policies, temporary uses for gapsites and empty property) have all been raised and discussed at previous charrettes and focus groups but to date there has been little real action taken.

Whilst the previous charrette led to a Area Development Framework (ADF) to guide action and development (which includes a proposal to 'develop the Royal Mile Project' as a big project for community engagement and improvements the area)  
This ADF framework is still out to formal consultation until 23rd Jan!

The existing consultation process is not meaningful, democratic or productive so it was no surprise then that a number of residents, SOOT supporters and the local Community Council decided to boycott the event 

Although some who attended claim that the event was a success the outcomes dont appear to be anything very inspired.

The Neighbourhood team will undertake a 'spring clean' to improve the appearance of particular hotspots (an annual event has been happening since they were established) and a new Royal Mile manager will be recruited to manage day to day management (surely the existing City Centre Town Centre Coordinator and Neighbourhood Managers jobs already cover this although clearly not being very effective at implementing improvements)

Although the charette and planning teams state support for the reuse of vacant property and use of rent controls to encourage better mix of shops, the councils own economic development and property teams are continuing to sell off assets for demolition, increase rents to long established local shops and encourage any tenant which will generate higher rents!

It would seem that others in the city are also feel that councils Charrettes and consultation are no more than a tick box exercise to distract from the bigger issues which people DO want an opportunity to comment on (like privatisation of services). Local Blogger Peter Matthews has also decided NOT to engage in the most recent consultation exercise for the Local Plan and development of the Leith Docks.

Maybe its time for communities to take control of the consultation process. Networks of common cause and concern are already gathering to see how Councillors and others can be held to account regarding how the whole city moves forward.

Activists call for Holyrood to intervene in capital row

Concerns about Edinburgh's World Heritage Status were raised by heritage bodies in the city when yesterday it was reported that the (new or revived) Caltongate scheme would require to go before the UN World Heritage committee.
The Scottish Government through Historic Scotland are required to protect World Heritage Sites and  therefore have a responsibility to ensure any revived development for the Waverley Valley takes due consideration of the recommendations made following UNESCO's visit in 2009.
The Scottish Government also have a responsibility to ensure Local government complies with legislation and policy and that best value is achieved for communities through public asset management. Will any of our representatives at Holyrood take up the challenge and question Edinburgh Council about so called benefits of flogging off much needed council housing on the cheep to developers who may demolish them with no guarantee of development?

Meanwhile Edinburgh Council provide 24hr security to 'protect' the gapsite

Today this article was published in the Glasgow Herald
by Brian Donally

"Members of the Canongate Community Forum, the area where the project is located, said Edinburgh City Council was wrong to approve the sale of land and buildings for £3.4M last month without further consultation.
Now the group plans to lobby Holyrood in an effort to prevent the sale. It includes nine flats for a total of £900,000, which the campaigners say is well below the normal market price.
One-bedroom flats in the area regularly fetch £150,000.
The sale will make way for a massive development in the medieval Old Town that will include a five-star hotel with 211 bedrooms, an 18,000sq ft conference centre, offices, shops, cafes and 165 new homes.
Resident and campaigner Julie Logan said there was strong opposition to demolishing a number of buildings at the Canongate to allow the develoment to go ahead.
She said: "The sale of these assets was approved just before Christmas, at a time when all of the interested groups did not have the time to put together formal objections.
"The issue is it was agreed to sell off the land without enough consultation or without providing any evidence this delivers best value in any kind of way for Edinburgh.
"There are groups who are deeply concerned about the proposals to demolish the buildings. We saw no need to rush this through. The flats have been empty for two years now and would need some work done, but they are not in great disrepair.
"The Scottish Government has got to play a role to ensure the best value is achieved."
The concern over the agreement of the sale of the assets to developers Artisan Real Estate Investors comes after The Herald revealed yesterday the entire project is to be scrutinised by Unesco after fresh fears it could jeopardise the city's World Heritage Site status.
Similar plans for the 640,000sq ft site previously prompted a UN mission to the capital that ended with Unesco telling then developers Mountgrange to redraw its plans or risk damaging the critical component of the accolade, the area's "outstanding universal value".
Director of heritage watchdog the Cockburn Association said the council was "rushing this (sale) through at a very bad time to sell".
Artisan Real Estate Investors says it comprises a "powerful consortium of South African investors which is set to breathe new life into a project that has been dormant for more than a decade".
When first mooted, it was claimed the project could create 2000 jobs.
Artisan has taken over the project two years after the previous developer Mountgrange folded. Dave Anderson, head of city development, said the sale would help lead to more affordable housing for the area.
He said: "The capital receipt will be credited to the Housing Revenue Account and re-invested in the provision of affordable homes.
"In addition to the capital receipt, Artisan will transfer, free of value, a plot of land earmarked for the majority of the affordable housing on the consented scheme directly to the council. This plot of land has planning consent for 36 affordable housing units and will count towards the overall affordable housing requirement of the consented scheme.
"The commencement of the project has the potential to be a catalyst for Edinburgh's commercial property market and should encourage further overseas investors. The completed development will deliver much needed new commercial space to the city including offices, retail units and a five-star hotel."

Edinburgh Council security checking the gap site and Canongate Venture yesterday

Seasons greetings!

On Thursday 22nd December Edinburgh Council voted through the unconditional sale of land to Artisan.
This now allows the developer to proceed with demolitions of listed buildings and homes in the World Heritage Site, despite calls from UNESCO to seek modifications to the plans following their vistit and after Mountgrange went into administration.

Meanwhile Cllr Jim Lowrie attended award ceremony for a group of teenagers who have just completed training in heritage building skills saying
"Well done to all the pupils who have passed their heritage skills training. This is an inspiring and worthwhile course that is equipping young people with important skills that will help protect our historic buildings into the future."

What a pity Cllr Lowrie and his fellow councillor Buccanan didnt think of protecting historic buildings when they encouraged their party members to vote to sell of our assets just 2 days ago!

Developers Artisan are expected to reveal ammended plans in the New Year.

Communities speak up

OTCC will present their deputation to council this morning requsting members pause and reflect on the mistakes made by previous council

" The future of our city and how we protect and develop it will certainly be high on the
agenda at the coming elections.
This council was limited in its ability to respond to the failure of the Caltongate
scheme during the start of the recession by being locked into a land deal with
Mountgrange secured by the previous administration and left to the mercy of the
banks to control the use or sale of public assets.
By agreeing this sale and giving Artisan an unconditional option to progress this
development investment, you (Councillors) will again tie the hands of any incoming
council to respond to new opportunities, policies and plans.
It is undemocratic for officials to rush a decision on this land sale at a pre Christmas
committee without affording time for councillors and the community to scrutinise the
details of this offer or consider alternatives."

The Splashback campaign will also be presenting a deputation urging the council to NOT close Leith Waterworld


You can follow the debate on Caltongate and Leithwaterworld live with @STVEdinburgh on twitter 

New developers speak out

It seems that new plans are definitely being considered but they are still secret!
 Lukas Nakos, who heads up both MAS plc and Artisan the company seeking to buy up council assets is quoted on Moneyweb saying

"We will be working in close partnership with the City of Edinburgh and local stakeholders to move forward quickly with development plans in 2012. Although a high-quality development, it will be less ambitious than originally conceived and will be well-attuned to the present economic climate,"

However to date the new developer has not approached any of the local stakeholders including the Old Town Community Council which he refers to in this interview


How on earth can the council agree to sell valuable public assets to a developer who wants to keep their development plans secret. Surely any decision to sell must be justified as being of benefit to the city and how can the benefits be assessed when no plans or projected timescales are provided.

SOOT and the Edinburgh Old Town Development Trust will be supporting the Old Town Community Council who intend to present a deputation tomorrow calling on Councillors to delay making any decision on the sale of land until a thorough assessment can be made of the developers proposed plans and predicted timescales for development and equal opportunity given to other interested parties to submit any alternative proposals.

This cart before the horse developer led planning is what caused Caltongate to fail so badly in planning and architectural terms, and what caused the deterioration and neglect of the area following Mountgrange going bust, as the council lost control over the use of assets.
For Council officers to rush approval of a unconditional discounted sale past councillors days before Christmas based on a very brief report which contains no confirmed details on the developer or the proposed development is hardly democratic decision making. The decision if taken now could also become a significant burden on any new Councillors or Administration elected in May (and could influence how people vote)

If the plans are to be reviewed or revived lets allow some mature open discussion with the community about how to insure this developer actually delivers more than a big hole!
SOOT have called for supporters to come along to the City Chambers tomorrow morning before the meeting which starts at 10am

Heritage bodies speak out about Caltongate

The news of the Caltongate revival has caused many heritage professionals to restate their opposition to the scheme and remind us of the advice provided by UNESCO during their visit to Edinburgh, warning the Council that this is effectively a 'slap in the face'

SOOT have called on other groups and objectors to join them from 9am on Thursday morning outside the Council Chambers - the Full Council meeting starts at 10am - and to write to their councillors and MSPs and ask them to support the local community who needs these valuable assets to be retained and brought back to productive use.

Whilst we agree with the concerns raised about the World Heritage Site status, it was clear form the original planning procedure that many of some of our existing councillors care little about UNESCO's opinion as seen in this video

The Waverley Valley Regeneration - Caltongate Report is now available to the public and it is proposed to sell the land and houses to the developers Artisan, selling the 9 council flats for £100,000 each. The report also proposes council support for compulsory purchase powers to acquire 2 busy local business premises also earmarked for demolition.

Its time Edinburgh woke up to the changing economic environment and look for new  ideas and opportunities to support community ownership and management of assets