Community Garden Brief and Expression of Interest Form

Community Garden at Victoria Park

In 2023, Edinburgh Leisure returned several disused bowling green venues to the to the City of Edinburgh Council, including two in Victoria Park. Following this, the Parks and Greenspace team has been exploring opportunities to re-purpose these venues. Community consultation revealed a strong preference for a community garden, and we are excited to announce an opportunity for local organisations to lease one of the disused bowling greens for this purpose. This initiative aligns with the Council’s ambition to increase community food growing opportunities, alongside aims to enhance community engagement, promote sustainability, and provide a green space for all residents to enjoy.  

We also aspire for the neighbouring vacant bowling green to become a sensory garden and cafe (refurbishing or replacing the existing pavilion). This is also following an Expression of Interest process. We aim to have the community garden established more immediately, with construction of the sensory garden and cafe proceeding shortly after. There is scope for the community garden tenant to also be involved in running those aspects should they want to apply.  

There are also other features that we aim to introduce in the future using a phased approach. This includes a rain garden, outdoor education area, trim trail, etc. If the tenant is particularly interested in any of these features, or any similar aspects which could improve the park, there is also possibility to fundraise together with the Council to progress these aspects further.  

Please download the Expression of Interest form for Victoria Park Community garden

 

Location 

The community garden will be located in the middle former bowling greens within Victoria Park (outlined in red below). The small perimeter around it can also be included – with the total space being approximately 1,900m2. 

Victoria Park is a green flag awarded park.  It is well connected with existing active travel routes, including the Hawthornvale Path and National Cycle Route 75, which provide onward connections to the centre of Edinburgh and the Water of Leith. The park is well used by all ages, includes two separate play areas for different ages, and a range of sports facilities.  Victoria Park is Common Good Land and is also protected by Fields in Trust. It has a an active Friends of Park group.

 

Current status  

The community garden has been developed to a concept stage, where we know the size and location of the site, and some features which should be included (e.g., accessible paths, seating, community growing, sensory garden). We have some ideas and suggestions regarding the layout of the space, however, there is significant flexibility in the design of this space, and the Council expects to work in partnership with the tenant to agree a final design.   

There are utility lines under the bowling green, of which the neighbouring allotment site (in the third disused bowling green) uses for water supply. 

To activate the space as soon as possible, we appreciate that the tenant may wish to set up a shorter term or meanwhile use of the space more immediately, with plans in place to develop the site fully over time. 

Support available 

A package of support measures from the Council is on offer to help establish the new community garden. This may include the following: 

  • Although not guaranteed, the Council may be able to allocate a small amount of funding to help the tenant convert the space for community growing. In exceptional circumstances, up to £30,000 or £40,000 may be awarded.  

  • The Council can use their Procurement Framework to appoint contractors to carry out any work that the successful tenant is not able to carry out themselves, subject to funding. 

  • The Council’s Nursery may be able to help provide advice on planting and cost-effective plants.  

  • The Council’s Parks and Openspace Development Team can provide support such as project management and advice for design and layout of the site, and how to maximise the ecology of the site to improve biodiversity. They are also willing to collaborate with the successful tenant to fund-raise to help deliver the proposed ambitions for this space. 

The role of the leaseholder 

In addition to collaboratively designing the space, we expect the tenant to use the space to deliver the following:  

  • Food and sensory growing components. 

  • Community engagement, including activities and programmes to activate the garden space 

  • Work with established community groups such as the Friends of Victoria Park to establish how the garden can be a shared resource to all park users. 

  • Provide public access: located in a public park, it is important that all members of the public are welcome in the space (subject to opening hours).  

  • Ensure the garden design and activities are accessible to everyone, including those with different abilities. 

  • To have a flexible approach. We aim for other improvements to be made in the neighbouring bowling green, such as a sensory garden and a community cafe. Depending on funding, we may need to build these in a phased approach, meaning the tenant will need to expect nearby construction.  

Power and services 

The garden space will be self-contained. Water supply can be set up. No electricity will be provided. If necessary, any utilities required should be arranged independently by the leasing organisation. 

Terms  

The space is offered for lease on an annual basis starting from February/March 2025, with the option for a lease term of up to five years. It may also be possible to extend this in the future, and specific requirements can be discussed to accommodate the needs of the tenant. The tenant must obtain all necessary consents from relevant authorities. The unit's appearance must be approved by the City of Edinburgh Council and in keeping with the surrounding area.  

The tenant must meet the following insurance requirements: 

  • Employers liability insurance (minimum of £5 Million) - if applicable  

  • Public liability insurance (minimum of £5 Million) 

Timeline for Expressions of Interest 

  • EOI Announcement: 1st week of December 2024 

  • Submission Period: 1st week of December – 12th January (6 weeks) 

  • Evaluation and Selection: Mid-January 2024 – February 2025 

  • Lease development begins: February 2025 

Council officers are available the week of December 16th to answer questions and organise site visits.