Regent Road Park's bowling green

We are currently exploring proposals for unused bowling greens in parks throughout the city, including the one adjacent to Regent Road Park.  

The Thriving Greenspaces team is seeking input from local residents, communities, and elected members regarding the future of this site.  

Background Information  

The Regent Community Bowling Club, with its history dating back to 1891, has recently transitioned its stewardship back to the Parks Department following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift has prompted renewed discussions and initiatives aimed at revitalising the site for the benefit of the local community.   

This site offers numerous opportunities:  

Wildlife Corridor: It serves as a crucial link between Holyrood Park and Calton Hill, providing a vital wildlife corridor. This corridor is part of the Edinburgh Nature Network, which aims to create a connected and resilient landscape across the city. By enhancing this space, we can establish biodiversity stepping stones, allowing wildlife to move freely and thrive. This is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting local biodiversity.  

Community Facilities: There is a notable lack of community centres and facilities in this area.  

So far..  

Following the initial workshop on 22 June 2024, we will continue to engage with local communities, schools, and groups through tailored workshops and online meetings. We will then open a dialogue on our the City of Edinburgh Council Consultation and Engagement hub. Your feedback will shape our proposals, which will then be presented to the Committee for further consideration and recommendations. 

The Regent Road Park and Bowling Green Engagement Event, held on Saturday 22nd June at the Regent Road Bowling Green, was a fantastic success! The event saw an enthusiastic turnout of 72 participants from diverse locations, including the Regent Road Residents Association, Meadowbank, Montgomery and Brunswick, Lochend Park, and even local councillors from the SNP and Greens.

A Vibrant Gathering of Community Spirit

The event was a melting pot of ideas, community spirit, and shared visions for the future of Regent Road Park and Bowling Green. Attendees from various neighbourhoods came together, reflecting the widespread commitment to enhancing this beloved green space. The presence of local councillors added a touch of political engagement, underscoring the importance of this initiative.

Sharing Visions for the Future

One of the event’s highlights was the “Postcard to the Future” evaluation activity. Participants were encouraged to express their aspirations and vision for Regent Road Park and Bowling Green on specially designed postcards. This interactive element allowed community members to voice their opinions on what the future holds for this green space, with a particular focus on making it more exciting and vibrant.

 

Key Feedback Highlights

• Innovative Ideas: Attendees proposed a variety of creative ideas to revive the bowling green, from community gardens and outdoor art installations to children’s play areas and performance spaces.
• Sustainability: There was a strong emphasis on sustainable practices, including suggestions for eco-friendly amenities, wildlife habitats, and green energy solutions.
• Inclusive Spaces: Participants highlighted the need for inclusive spaces that cater to all age groups, ensuring that Regent Road Park remains a welcoming and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Thank You to All Participants!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and shared their vision for the future of Regent Road Park and Bowling Green. In particular, we would like to thank the Abbeyhill Colony of Artist, Abbeyhill Action and Leith Community Growers for the collaboration to organise this event and continuous support. Your contributions are invaluable, and we look forward to working together to bring these exciting ideas to life.