Edinburgh Indoor Market Study

1.0 Executive summary

The objectives of the project

This study was commissioned following a commitment made within ‘Growing Locally, Edinburgh’s food strategy 2021-2026’ for a study exploring ‘the feasibility of establishing an indoor market and local food distribution hub in Edinburgh’.

‘Growing Locally’ was produced by the City of Edinburgh Council as a city-wide strategy developed in collaboration with the Edible Edinburgh partnership, Transition Edinburgh and Edinburgh Community Food.

Existing needs

• A need was identified within the brief and consultation for infrastructure to aggregate activities and enhance access to fresh local produce within areas of the city that are considered a ‘food desert’ or ‘food swamp’.

• Edinburgh no longer has an indoor market space, consultation with existing operators illustrated the need for a safe, affordable all weather facility with facilites for operators to enhance the current offering, and reduce logistical demands on individual stallholders and organisations.

2.0 The Vision:

A transformative and accessible indoor facility for the city and its inhabitants that operates as a market and a hub to promote healthy local food to Edinburgh’s population.

This vision and its outcomes were developed from the publications; ‘Growing Locally Edinburgh’s Food strategy 2021-2026 and ‘Edible Edinburgh; A sustainable food city plan (2020). More specific outcomes were identified from consultation within the council and a wide group of stakeholders (see 2.0).

High level outcomes

• A new ‘front window’ for Scottish produce in Edinburgh.

• To encourage the consumption of local, fresh healthy and Sustainable food citywide.

• To enhance diversity within Edinburgh’s local food production and distribution.

• To contribute toward a transformed food culture within a local area or city wide with greater awareness and skills.

Specific outcomes

• Food as a regeneration tool: The regeneration of an existing area in Edinburgh with limited access to food through new food related infrastructure, growing space initiatives

• A facility that can act as a destination and exemplar project for a future wider network of similar facilities across the city.

• Strengthening Edinburgh’s profile as a sustainable food city towards Silver and Gold status.

• A space to incubate and support emerging and established regional and ‘local’ producers, widen their Retail access to urban consumers, and to showcase Scotland’s food and drink

• To enhance the capacity of existing organisations engaged in the delivery of the multifunctional community benefits of food. In particular the educational opportunities and socially cohesive aspects of improving visibility and access to the distribution of fresh, locally grown food.

3.0 The History of Edinburgh’s markets

In 1477 James III ordained that a number of strategic parts of the city were to be used for the sale of goods, this transformed a number of key urban spaces within Edinburgh. This shaped the centre of Edinburgh as we know it today with the legacy of these spaces retained through their name. This included the Cowgate, the Haymarket, Grassmarket, the large cattle and fruit market which occupied the northern side of Market Street.

It is argued in Gemmel’s 1906 account of the history of Edinburgh’s largest indoor Market beside Waverley Station1, that the various Royal decrees that established the cities markets were primarily to for public good and to order and enhance access to food. In the early 19th Century as the city expanded a number of indoor markets were constructed out-with the city centre utilising the new possibilities afforded by cast iron structures. This included Stockbridge Market, Leith market, Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange (formerly the Flesh Market) amongst others.

Waverley market was one of the last to be decommissioned and demolished in 1973 and was the most central and iconic with its panoramic roof garden and aquarium. This site is now occupied by Waverley Mall at the time consolidating the previous decades change in shopping habits. As with many other cities many of Edinburgh’s other markets were decommissioned during the 20th century. Whilst there are a number of vibrant food markets across the city occupying public spaces on a regular basis. However unlike many other UK cities, presently Edinburgh no longer has dedicated permanent indoor market facilities.

Current Market provision in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has a number of very successful markets, such as the farmers market on Castle Terrace and the Grassmarket. Leith Market and Stockbridge Market. In addition to this a number of indoor retail led ‘market experiences’ are emerging within new city Centre developments such as the St James Quarter. Consultation with property consultants indicated that there was significant demand for space within the city centre for higher end market offerings by national and international operators. This follows a national trend toward an ‘experience economy’, away from more traditional fruit and vegetable markets within city centre locations.

The demolition of Waverley Market 1973

Stockbridge Market present day

4.0 Methodology:

This research involved two components;

1. The starting point for this research was to unpack the initial brief to determine what form an ‘indoor market’ and ;food hub’ could take. This study also investigated the potential metrics that could be considered as a means to develop a brief for a new indoor food hub and market. Food systems are inherently complex and it was clear that a one-size-fits all approach would not be a sufficient response to the brief.

Interviews with stakeholders and precedent studies were used to develop three potential briefs for ongoing discussion. These briefs were evaluated through the lens of the needs identified and within the context of the wider sustainability and transformative capacity of existing local food enterprises and community food initiatives within Edinburgh.

2. Following this a scoring methodology evaluated areas and potential sites for further analysis for each brief for this facility. through interviews with key stakeholders, desktop research, existing growing and food networks, and current planning frameworks such as the new LDP and 15 minute city. A set of 15 key criteria were developed for ongoing consultation that might inform an optimal location for

i. A permanent exemplar facility

ii. Temporary market catalysts.

The core outcomes of the ‘Growing Locally, Edinburgh’s food strategy 2021-2026’ involved increasing access to fresh local produce for the benefit of all inhabitants of the city. This study used SMID data to suggest areas of need, and opportunities for connectivity to existing neighbourhood centres, areas of high footfall, transport networks, urban food projects as part of ongoing re-generation strategies.

5.0 Limitations and areas of required further research identified:

• Alongside primary research, secondary research from CEC and a broad variety of external sources was used to compile the background this high level study. This data may be out of date within the next few years with the policy and population shifts being experienced in many areas.

• The weighting to be attributed to each brief and what final form these take is one that requires broader consultation and consensus within The City of Edinburgh Council and with its partners.

• The governance model of the market / food hub enterprise requires careful thought in terms of its financial and funding opportunities but also the degree of control and resilience. • Where markets are managed by local authorities, good local management and a strategic vision by the council are required to facilitate their development.

• The balance between community social benefit vs the commercial value from tourism requires the development of financial modelling requires more rigorous analysis along with a review of potentially innovative models of cross-subsidy

Background: The multifunctional benefits of food markets:

• Markets can be part of an integral component of an urban food strategy to create circular economies and routes to market for urban food growing projects. This has been recognised in strategies such as The London Food Plan (2019)

• Research commissioned by the London Development Agency (LDA) in November 2005 to inform the Mayor’s Food Strategy found that customers shopping for food at street markets spend between £3,000 and £15,000 a day on nearby shops, and local retailers were almost universally supportive of markets.

• A number of studies have identified that the removal of urban ‘food deserts’; presents significant challenges. At a retail level, there is great scope for markets play a crucial role in ensuring that local communities have access to fresh produce.

• Food markets can offer ideal locations for providing information and learning/skills opportunities on a wide range of health issues including healthy eating, and food buying/cooking skills. These benefits can also contribute to sustaining a healthy workforce which is important for a cities wider competitiveness.

• Markets can also be used to promote health and well-being services eating campaigns such as the 5-a-day and Change 4 Life initiatives.

• In 2006, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (Watson, 2006) published research on the value of markets as spaces for social interaction. This concluded that Markets were important sites of social interaction for all groups in the community, but most significantly for older people, especially women. Markets also represent important social spaces for mothers with young children, young people, and families with children, particularly at weekends

• Markets have a significant social inclusion role, as places to linger, particularly for older people and young mothers. Some markets also appeared to be inclusive of disabled people, although in other places this was less evident.

• Markets can help reduce environmental impacts e.g. by eliminating excessive packaging/waste.”

• Traders play a significant role in creating a vibrant atmosphere in markets, and in forging social bonds and links in the trading community as well as with shoppers

•The use of Markets to strengthen neighbourhood identify has been seen in London but also cities such as Paris and Barcelona.

References:

Machell, G. and Caraher, M. (2012). The role of municipal markets in urban food strategies: a case study. In: Viljoen, A. M. and Wiskerke, J. S. C. (Eds.), Sustainable Food Planning: evolving theory and practice. (pp. 127-136). Wageningen Academic Pub. ISBN 9086861873

Grebitus Carola, Chenarides Lauren, Muenich Rebecca, Mahalov Alex Consumers' Perception of Urban Farming—An Exploratory Study Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems

Diekmann Lucy O., Gray Leslie C., Thai Chan Le More Than Food: The Social Benefits of Localized Urban Food Systems Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems

Crespi-Vallbona, Montse & Dimitrovski, Darko. (2017). Food markets from a local dimension – La Boqueria (Barcelona, Spain). Cities. 70. 32-39. 10.1016/j. cities.2017.06.011.

6.0 Summary and recommendations of this research. (Ongoing)

A distinction can be drawn between a retail market and a market/ food hub offering a more diverse and multifunctional range of benefits.

Brief number 02 which consultees referred to as an ‘honest market’ related to a mixed-use destination space involving a wholesale market and event space, incubator areas for emerging food enterprises and facilities for community food infrastructure. This brief was identified as a model which potentially addressed the key project outcomes to the greatest extent in terms of promoting and supporting local food at a community level and at a city-wide level and in relation to the Sustainable Food City Criteria. In addition, consultation identified that this model potentially provides the largest suite of community benefits against the anticipated capital expenditure, and is open to a range of funding avenues. Brief 01 whilst providing footfall, street scape, tourism and revenue benefits for the City provides a more limited range of community benefits and was deemed to have limits in addressing the core outcomes relating to access to food. Brief nr 3 provides a range of community benefits and is open ended in its scope and scale. It was agreed that there are a range of existing initiatives providing this function and that a facility with this as a primary focus may compete and not provide the full range of transformation outcomes outlined in section 1.0. As such it was determined that the functions of brief number 03 would be best integrated as ancillary components of brief 02.

In addition to the integration of permanent proposals, strategies were reviewed relating to smaller scale meanwhile interventions and improvements as a complimentary strategy to brief number 02.

There was a consensus that one or two permanent exemplar projects should serve as a catalyst for this in conjunction temporary market initiatives as a means to trial demand. It was suggested that a number of priority areas could benefit from specific markets offerings tailored to the community or civic aspects of those sites. Strategies such as those of Barcelona where a network of varying scale, central and neighbourhood markets create an infrastructure for locals and tourists to serve varied income groups are a laudable future vision, however consultation identified that the capacity and demand, and infrastructure does not currently exist within the local food sector to support this.

Two larger permanent sites were short-listed as more transformative projects, along with improvements to the existing infrastructure and sites for a potential meanwhile market as a means to expand the cities current offering.

The governance model is at the core of how a new facility functions,

and obtains its revenue stream. Opinions were split on the benefits and drawbacks of a market management and promotion structure rather than a collective effort by individual traders, and a recommendation is that a more rigorous and evidenced options appraisal is undertaken in this regard.

Models could range between:

A new permanent Market /Food Hub

On the basis that access to food is one of the core objectives alongside proximity to transport and income; sites were chosen balancing a range of parameters such as the SIMD ‘food deserts’ data, food infrastructure, areas of high footfall, existing and future neighbourhood areas, links to cycle and pedestrian routes within a 20 minute radius of existing public amenities. (see Appendix 1). Areas out-with the city centre, connected to public transport routes and close to existing community food enterprises were identified as being more optimal for this brief. These areas provided opportunities close to existing light industrial space at more affordable rates.

Two sites were scored highly in relation to the criteria outlined for brief 02. These scenarios are not to be considered conclusive locations, but rather set out a blueprint for the benefits, transformations and challenges that may arise from such a facility, but are translatable to other sites within similar contexts pending availability. A number of shortlisted sites (from a list of over 30 identified) are also intended for discussion.

The former Maledevic site was selected as a potential future site, connected to the existing community within Granton potentially supporting its various food enterprises, but also serving an anticipated future community of residents. As a listed local landmark within EDIs current stewardship this form a new destination for a large indoor market but also a range of spaces for associated enterprises, and other creative uses. This use would align well with the current Granton Waterfront development master-plan and its associated transportation strategy.

A site known as Leith Depot was selected along Leith walk close to the junction with the Gordon Street Arches and close to the Jane Street Industrial area which is home to a number of private and community food enterprises. The rear of the site is currently under development for a large number of student flats. The section in question involves a street facing block that has been subject to ongoing campaigns by groups such as ‘Save Leith Walk’. Establishing a market and food hub in this area could be part of a future plan involving the transformative use of the vaults along Gordon Street and Jane street for food enterprises. The site

connects to Pilrig park but also the new tram network and existing bus network that serves a number of areas in need. In addition to modelling governance models, this research recommends further investigation of the financial modelling and social return on investment of this model, and the development of a schedule of potential funding routes.

Strengthening existing market infrastructure

Options were reviewed in relation to providing more permanent infrastructure for existing markets, in particular Castle Terrace where an opportunity exists to create a new permanent canopy and the utilisation of lower levels for additional capacity. These markets align more closely with the characteristics of brief 01. Stockbridge Market and Leith Market could benefit from similar permanent structures to a more limited degree. In addition to existing sites, a new city centre site was proposed as a means to spread existing retail outdoor market provision to the city centre. These options however whilst beneficial to current operations would be a compliment to a new indoor facility and not an alternative in terms of the delivery of the benefits described. This research recommends a cost benefit analysis of smaller scale alterations to existing markets and further consultation on what infrastructure would help transform the existing offering.

Meanwhile Markets

A number of quick-win opportunities were reviewed for sites to stimulate the demand for local produce within existing mixed income neighbourhood areas. These sites have an existing demand for food retail, high footfall and were seen as an opportunity to quickly and affordably test the transformation of existing spaces as a means to test the potential of more permanent facilities. One example located close to Nicholson Square was taken forward to demonstrate how this or similar sites could create new opportunities to promote fresh local produce and potentially catalyse other associated activities. This site is located close to a range of existing supermarkets, within 15 minutes of areas classified as food deserts and in addition to bus routes serving a number of areas that would benefit from this facility. A further development of this research may involve a review of the type of temporary facilities that could be introduced within food deserts and what governance and financial model would underpin these.

7.0 Summary of consultation on a new market and indoor food hub.

A Consultation was undertaken between February 2022 and July 2022 involving a around diverse stakeholder groups and consultees to shape some of the recommendations within this report and define a series of briefs for an indoor market/food hub. This included sustainable and community orientated food initiatives, current market operators, strategic policy makers and commercial agents. Consultees included:

Edible Estates

Edible Edinburgh

CEC 15 minute neighbourhood team

Essential Edinburgh

CEC city plan 2030 team

Edinburgh Community Food

CEC area regeneration team

Nourish Scotland

Lauriston Farm

Scottish Food and Drink Network

Edinburgh Farmers Market

Savills Edinburgh Ltd

Edinburgh Cyrennians

JLL Edinburgh

Fidra Properties Edinburgh

Delfinity Ltd

Responses were grouped into a series of themes, addressing particular questions relating to the brief.

Who is it for ?

• Two distinct objectives were identified through stakeholder consultation relating to a new indoor food market/food hub.

• A space to incubate and support emerging and established regional and national ‘local’ producers and widen their retail access to urban consumers, and creating a new front window in Edinburgh to showcase Scotland’s food and drink offering.

• To widen access to healthy affordable food and capitalise on the multifunctional nature of food to generate community benefits across the city.

• This does not necessarily suggest a binary approach, however two types of complimentary facilities were suggested by this research. A number of consultees discussed models involving financially linking commercial market models with social enterprise models as a means to cross-subsidise and share benefits.

• Consultees overwhelmingly indicated that the new indoor market facility should be for the benefit of those living in Edinburgh and across Scotland. Whilst the potential benefits to food tourism were noted, this should not be the emphasis.

• Potential strategic partnerships with the new food innovation centre at QMU and East Lothian Food and Drink BID along with Food and Drink Scotland, and Edinburgh community

What is it for ? :

• An indoor market: part of an integrated urban food plan.

• The proposal should not aim to be a ‘fix all solution’ Consultees indicated that the divergent nature of the objectives would make one facility unviable.

• Clarity is required between the definitions ‘food hub’ and ‘ food market’ within the Edinburgh’s growing strategy.

• There is a need to create market infrastructure that helps aggregate the current dispersed operations of local producers and reduce overall costs and strain on this community

What are the priorities ?

• Close to neighbourhoods and existing areas of high footfall or future transportation networks and links out of the city.

• For traders and producers; a space which provides storage and fixed facilities.

• For community groups; a facility which feels accessible and that allows flexibility in its use.

One facility or many ?

• Consultees noted that there is not the current demand or capacity for a number of smaller local markets, and that this model may result in an unequal and competitive model across the city.

• Once established, longer term; an interconnected network of managed markets and community food infrastructure is critical if the objectives identified within Edinburgh’s food growing strategy and the Edinburgh food plan are to be realised.

More than a market ?

• Opportunities exist to deliver community benefits by combining a food hub/indoor market with active community facilities.

• There are gaps between growing projects and the supply of healthy food to more vulnerable groups.

• There are currently limited spaces where food can be combined with educational events.

A permanent or temporary facility ?

• A covered indoor facility with a permanent base is needed within Edinburgh.

• A temporary 5 year pop-up to establish demand, and develop roots for future food infrastructure was noted as an interim strategy. The limitations of a temporary facility alone, in terms of establishing community and financial investment were noted by respondents.

• A building led based approach using an existing structure was noted as a first step ahead of establishing a permanent facility.

Where in the city ? :

Location: Considerations

• Discussions with agents and essential Edinburgh indicated that there are currently a number of high end street and food market offerings proposed within larger vacant shop units on Princes Street.

• Rents and space availability are the key challenge in relation to the City centre, which is largely privately owned and largely incompatible with the nature of a conventional food market space.

• Light industrial areas or council owned historic buildings close to the centre were identified as an opportunity.

• Located close to public transport infrastructure and critically pedestrian networks

• A new food market should be close to existing high street retail offerings and amenities.

• Given the demand and low supply of larger buildings within 20 minutes walk from the centre of Edinburgh, a building led based approach is recommended.

• Most customers walk or use public transportation to access the current market offerings at Stockbridge, Leith and Castle Terrace.

What scale of market ?

• Demand would need to be fully tested however anecdotally it was noted that there is currently capacity for a 3 day a week market offering for around 30-50 traders (in addition to the current market supply at castle terrace.

• It would be beneficial for the market to contain other functions a post office or community space.

• A small number of accredited catering kitchen spaces would help support smaller businesses

• The market should provide all grocery needs and be exclusive to food and drink.

• A footprint of 1000-2000m2 was noted as a beneficial size for this facility.

• Space for flexible events, arts, music etc. in addition to food sales.

• Ease of set up - and storage for each stall holder is essential.

• No more than 70% enclosure, the space should not be fully indoor and serviced like a shop.

• A space suitable for use as a public space when not in use as a market.

• A sense of place, and links to the historic context were noted as benefits.

• Street food is complimentary at a ration of 30-40%

• Some respondents suggested a cohesive branding and quality assurance strategy balanced with personal identify for stalls was important.

What are the risks ?

• Care is needed to ensure that the market is complimentary and not competitive and damaging to smaller local food retailers.

• A strong commitment is required from traders and community organisations to use the space and an open governance structure that promotes equal opportunities. Discussion with East Lothian Food and Drink BID illustrated the complexities and capacity required by the organisation responsible for managing such a venture.

• The financial challenges facing more traditional market models, and those supplying local produce are not to be underestimated. This is evidenced by the failure and struggle of many markets over the last decade. Some might argue that following the recent pandemic that the era of cheap imported food is coming to an end, however supermarkets dominate the grocery market and achieving a balance of affordable produce alongside more differentiated offerings and experiential aspects such as street food needs to be struck if the objectives stated are to be met.

• A large capital investment will be required to establish such a facility adding to the financial pressure upon the operating model and its subsidy. The use of existing buildings and structures that can attract other sources of funding and unlock other community regeneration objectives is a key consideration.

• Site specific issues such as environmental performance, waste and circular economy principles as well as aspect of potential nuisance such as noise and access are all critical to the success of any future facility.

Next Steps

• Further consultation with a wide group of CEC stakeholders and external initiatives in relation to the preliminary findings of this study.

• The commissioning of financial and governance feasibility testing.

• The commissioning of SROI and studies relating to the proposals.

• Market testing of the proposals in relation to precedent studies, and outline cost estimation.

• Wider, representative focus group studies relating to the proposals.

• The development of a business case relating to the three aspects noted.

8.0 Brief 01 (permanent facility)

A retail / food market

Discussions with agents and essential Edinburgh indicated that there are currently a number of high end street and food market offerings proposed within larger vacant shop units on Princes Street. This brief would attempt to act as a more permanent and enclosed location extending the current offering at Stockbridge and Castle Terrace. This would act as a hub for fresh and locally processed produce and street food.

The primary focus of this initiative would be to:

• Showcase Scottish produce within a highly visible location,

• Establish a permanent site to create, strong links with consumers in the city, and greater access to local and international customers all year.

• Augmenting the capacity of existing traders, providing retail, delivery and storage infrastructure.

• Elevating the profile of Edinburgh as a food city.

• Encouraging jobs and providing a platform for enhanced skills within this sector.

Relationship to Policy.

Brief 1 directly addresses the ‘economy’ and ‘buying food’ criteria of the Edible Edinburgh Sustainable Food City Plan(2020), this also addresses objective 2.1 of Edinburgh’s Growing Strategy (2021-2026).

Brief 1 addresses Scotland’s National Food and Drink Policy (2014); Priorities 3,4,5 relating to Local food, good food choices and economic growth.

Key Aspects of the brief.

• A high footfall site with good visibility.

• Ensuring a site that is located close to public transport infrastructure and critically pedestrian networks.

• A new food market should be close to the existing high street retail offering and amenities.

• Rents and space availability are the key challenge in relation to the City centre. There are limited available council owned properties.

• Capacity for a 3 day a week market offering for around 50 traders (in addition to the current market supply at castle terrace.

• A footprint of 1000-2000m2 was noted as a beneficial size for this facility.

• Space for flexible events, arts, music etc. in addition to food sales.

• 70% enclosure, the space should not be fully indoor and serviced like a shop.

• A space suitable for use as a public space when not in use as a market.

• A sense of place, an ‘Iconic’ location or building and links to the historic context.

• Street food is complimentary at a ratio of 30-40%

Precedents

Mercato Metropolitano - food market, London

Reffen - outdoor street food market, Copenhagen

Maltby street market - London

By the river brew - street food, Newcastle

Borough Market - London

Santa Caterina market - Barcelona

9.0 Brief 02 (permanent facility)

‘An honest market’ – Local produce and fresh food wholesale supporting both established and emerging producers and social enterprises.

Discussions with existing operators, food business improvement coordinators, promoters of local food and food access enterprises illustrated a need for a permanent centralised space to aggregate operations and distribution infrastructure. Furthermore, the need for affordable space to provide routes to market for early-stage producers. The ability of a market as a public space with facilities to encourage community access to food through events and engagement activities was noted as an important consideration. Rents and space availability were identified as the key challenge in relation to the City centre, which is largely privately owned the nature of which is largely incompatible with the nature of a conventional food market space.

The primary focus of this initiative would be to:

• Create an engaging wholesale destination for consumers and local communities within Edinburgh to access local producers and fresh produce.

• Augmenting the capacity of existing traders, providing retail, delivery and storage infrastructure.

• Create an incubation hub for producers without access to licenced production facilities.

• Engage and broaden access to fresh local food within Edinburgh within communities within food deserts.

• Move Edinburgh toward the status of a sustainable food city.

• Encouraging jobs, skills and employment within the food sector.

Relationship to Policy.

Brief 1 directly addresses the ‘Health and Well-being’ and ‘Cultural change’ criteria of the Edible Edinburgh Sustainable Food City Plan(2020), this also addresses objective 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5 of Edinburgh’s Growing Strategy (2021-2026). Brief 1 addresses Scotland’s National Food and Drink Policy (2014); Priorities 3,4,5 relating to Local food, good food choices and economic growth.

Key Aspects of the brief.

• An attractive destination site close to other amenities.

• Ensuring a site that is located close to public transport infrastructure and critically pedestrian networks.

• It would be beneficial for the market to contain other functions a post office or community space.

• A new food market should within walking distance to the existing high street retail offering and amenities.

• Capacity for a 3 day a week market offering for around 50 traders (in addition to the current market supply at castle terrace.

• A footprint of 1000-2000m2 was noted as a beneficial size for this facility.

• Space for flexible events, arts, music etc. in addition to food sales.

• 70% enclosure, the space should not be fully indoor and serviced like a shop.

• A space suitable for use as a public space when not in use as a market.

• Street food is complimentary at a ratio of 30-40%

• - A small number of accredited catering kitchen spaces would help support smaller businesses

• - A site with links to existing food deserts

• - Light industrial areas or council owned historic buildings close to the centre were identified as an opportunity

West Oakland market - community food market

La Felicita - street food market, Paris

St George’s market - Belfast

Hackney market - London

Hackney School of food - London

The Railway Farm - community food growing space, Paris

•

10.0 Brief 03 (permanent facility)

Community Food Hub – A social enterprise hub supporting existing community food infrastructure.

• Discussions with existing local community food and food access social enterprises and CEC, government anti-poverty agencies illustrated a need for a permanent space to aggregate operations and create opportunities for multifunctional food initiatives. The ability of a market as a public space with facilities to encourage community access to food through events and engagement activities was noted as an important consideration. Rents and space availability were identified as the key challenge in relation to the City centre, which is largely privately owned the nature of which is largely incompatible with the nature of a conventional food market space.

The primary focus of this initiative would be to:

• Create an engaging destination for the distribution for fresh fruit and vegetables from community growing projects.

• Augmenting the capacity of existing food pantries by creating an events space and catering facilities for community use.

• Engage and broaden access to fresh local food within Edinburgh within communities within food deserts.

• Move Edinburgh toward the status of a sustainable food city.

• Encouraging jobs, skills and employment within the food sector.

Relationship to Policy.

Brief 1 directly addresses the ‘Health and Well-being’ and ‘Cultural change’ criteria of the Edible Edinburgh Sustainable Food City Plan(2020), this also addresses objective 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5 of Edinburgh’s Growing Strategy (2021-2026). Brief 1 addresses Scotland’s National Food and Drink Policy (2014); Priorities 3,4 relating to Local food, good food choices.

Key aspects of the brief.

• Encouraging jobs and providing a platform for enhanced skills within this sector.

• Ensuring a site that is located close to public transport infrastructure and critically pedestrian networks.

• It would be beneficial for the market to contain other functions a post office or community space.

• A new food hub should within walking distance to the existing high street retail offering, local school and other amenities.

• Capacity for a 3 day a week market offering for around 50 traders (in addition to the current market supply at castle terrace.

• A footprint of 300-500m2 was noted as a beneficial size for this facility.

• Space for flexible events, arts, music etc. in addition to food sales.

• Both fully indoor with covered outdoor areas

• A small number of accredited catering kitchen spaces

• A site with links to existing food deserts

• Light industrial areas or council owned historic buildings close to the centre were identified as an opportunity.

• Street food is complimentary at a ratio of 30-40%

• - A small number of accredited catering kitchen spaces would help support smaller businesses

• - A site with links to existing food deserts

• - Light industrial areas or council owned historic buildings close to the centre were identified as an opportunity.

11.0 Summary and comparative scale analysis, short-listed sites

Assessment Criteria

The consultation identified three potential briefs satisfying different objectives in relation to CEC’s food strategy, the national food and drink policy and wider objectives. A series of assessment criteria were developed to assist the selection of sites but also as a means to appraise and shortlist.

The core outcomes of the project have a greater number of scoring criteria. At this stage a weighting was not applied to these criteria, an aspect that requires further consensus and consultation.

1.Transport and access

- Access to peripheral transport networks

- Service access for deliveries

2. Access to customer base

- Links to cycle/pedestrian and public transport routes

- Located within areas of high footfall.

3.Scale

- 1500-2000m2

- Suitable for 30-60 Stalls, and public events.

4. Visibility

Brief 1 A

• A new retail food market Permanent

Brief 1 B

• A new retail food market Temporary

Brief 2

• A hybrid food market; incubator for emerging producers

Brief 3

• A new Community food hub and events space.

-High visibility

- Links to place / local context and history

- Relationship to other public realm strategies.

- Links to tourism infrastructure

5. Access to food

- Location to vulnerable consumer groups and food deserts.

-Proximity to key regeneration sites, areas of need identified by SIMD data.

6. Land ownership/cost/availability

- Council controlled property

- Available/ derelict or low intensity land use.

7. Potential for sustainable strategies

-Solar generation potential

-EV potential

-Links to Biodiversity and growing spaces

8. Proximity to existing food infrastructure/local centres

- Close to existing grocery offerings

- Close to public amenities /schools/workplaces

9. Community benefits

- Regenerative potential of existing neighbourhoods

- Links to existing food related community infrastructure.

10. Economic development potential

- Proximity to high demand areas.

- Facilitates town centre/high street business development

11. Avoids amenity issues

- Facilitates waste removal

- Acoustic separation/distance from dwellings

- Avoids nuisance upon neighbouring businesses

12. The capacity for a permanent market

13. A location that facilitates a multifunctional space for events

14. Facilitates town centre/high street business development

15. Environmental enhancement /Impact

Site 01 - Market Street

Site 02 - Castle Terrace Car Park

Site 10 - Granton Station

Site 05 - Nicholson Square Car

Site 06 - Leith Depot / Arches / Bridge

Site 07 - Leith Links

Site 08 - Madelvic Car Factory

Site 09 - New Market Road

Stockbridge Market Mercato Metropolitano

Santa Caterina market Borough market Reffen street food market

By the river street food

St George’s market La Felicita

The Railway Farm Nourish Hub

12.0 High scoring permanent sites (brief 02).

Market Street

• Short term, immediate intervention in response to Brief 1

• Expands existing commercial and retail space along Market Street

Shortisted sites

Made

lvic Car Factory

• Long term, more permanent opportunity in response to Brief 2

• Invests in a existing communities and contributes to the growing area of Granton

Nicholson

• Short term, immediate intervention in response to Brief 2

• Taps into existing pedestrian pathways and potential users

• Long term, more permanent opportunity in response to Brief 2

• Builds upon existing proposals for development of the area

Site 01 - Market Street

Site 05 - Nicholson Square Car

Site 06 - Leith Depot / Arches / Bridge

Site 08 - Madelvic Car Factory

Square Car Park

Letih Depot / Arches / Bridge

Waterfront Avenue

Site 08 Madelvic Car Factory

Address Site 5 or 6 Madelvic Waterfront Avenue

Size 4000m² (plot)

Title number MID159034

Ownership EDI Group

Planning history 04/02036/REM - Application granted on 10/03/2005 for new build residential over commercial, conversion of factory building to work/live units and flats, new build affordable housing

0 25 50 100

Potential community garden

community garden WATERFRONT

01. Access & Transport

01.1 Access to peripheral transport networks ✓

01.2 Service access for deliveries ✓

02. Access to customer base

Site 08 Madelvic Car Factory Site Strategy

02.1 Links to cycle/pedestrian & public transport routes ✓ A few bus stops within 250m radius

02.2 Located within areas of high footfall ✕

03. Scale

03.1 1500-2000m² ✓✓ 4000m² - exst building ~2900m²

03.2 Suitable for 30-60 stalls & public events ✓

04. Visibility

04.1 High visibility ✓ On Waterfront avenue

04.2 Links to local context & history ✓ Exst building?

04.3 Relationship to other public realm strategies ✓ cf City Plan 2030 proposed Plan: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/file/29997/proposed-plan-

04.4 Proximity to tourism infrastructure ✕

05. Access to food

05.1 Location to vulnerable consumer groups and food deserts ✓

05.2 Proximity to key regeneration sites, areas of need identified by SIMD data ✓✓

06. Land ownership/cost/availabilty

06.1 Council controlled property

06.2 Available/ derelict or low intensity land use ✓ Planning application granted in 2005 / derelict land

07. Potential for sustainable strategies

07.1 Solar generation potential ✓

11.1 Facilitates waste removal ✕

07.2 EV potential ✓

11.2 Acoustic separation/distance from dwellings ✕

07.3 Links to Biodiversity and growing spaces ✕ Potential growing site on the land east of exst building?

11.3 Avoids nuisance upon neighboring businesses ✓

08. Proximity to existing food infrastructure/local centres

08.1 Proximity to existing grocery offerings ✓

08.2 Proximity to public amenities /schools/workplaces ✕

09. Community benefits

09.1 Regenerative potential of existing neighbourhoods ✓

09.2 Links to existing food related community infrastructure ✓

10. Economic development potential

10.1 Proximity to high demand areas ✓

10.1 Facilitates town centre/high street business development ✕

11. Avoids amenity issues

11.1 Facilitates waste removal ✓

11.2 Acoustic separation/distance from dwellings ✕

11.3 Avoids nuisance upon neighboring businesses ✓

Public space

Licensed production space/catering

Market - Pop-up market stalls

Existing community garden

Potential new growing space

Pedestrian routes

Vehicle routes

0

Bridge

Leith Walk ManderstonStreet

Arches Depot

Site 06

Leith Depot / Arches / Bridge

Addresses

106-150 Leith Walk, EH6 5DT 18 Manderston Street, EH6 8LY

100-104 Leith Walk, EH6 5DT

Size

1400m² / 3700m² / 1300m² - TOT. 6400m²

Title number

MID7747 / MID18489 / MID114781

Ownership

Unknown

Planning history

Leith Depot - 18/01015/PAN - Consultation Approved on 22/03/18 for demolition of existing building & erection of mixed use development.

Leith Arches - no planning history

Leith Bridge - no planning history

0 25 50 100

Site 06 Leith Depot

Food related social enterprise

Tying into new residential development

new indoor market

potential for rooftop community gardens & gathering

possible extension of new market into Leith Arches

Potential for rooftop community gardens

Future pedestrian bridge connection over Leith Walk

Pedestrian connection to Pilrig Park

Site Strategy

possible extension of new market into Leith Arches

Rooftop growing project

13.0 Meanwhile opportunities

01. Access & Transport

01.1 Access to peripheral transport networks ✕

01.2 Service access for deliveries ✕

02. Access to customer base

Site 03 Nicholson Car Park Site Analysis

02.1 Links to cycle/pedestrian & public transport routes ✓✓ Many bus tops within 250m radius, highly-frequented road

02.2 Located within areas of high footfall ✓✓

03. Scale

03.1 1500-2000m² ✓ 1500m²

03.2 Suitable for 30-60 stalls & public events ✕

04. Visibility

04.1 High visibility ✓

04.2 Links to local context & history ✓

04.3 Relationship to other public realm strategies ✓

04.4 Proximity to tourism infrastructure ✓✓

05. Access to food

05.1 Location to vulnerable consumer groups and food deserts ✕ Not in a food desert

05.2 Proximity to key regeneration sites, areas of need identified by SIMD data ✓ Close to vulnerable community

06. Land ownership/cost/availabilty

06.1 Council controlled property

06.2 Available/ derelict or low intensity land use ✓ Car park

07. Potential for sustainable strategies

07.1 Solar generation potential ✕ Courtyard surrounded by buildings - needs a shadow study

07.2 EV potential ✓

07.3 Links to Biodiversity and growing spaces ✕

08. Proximity to existing food infrastructure/local centres

08.1 Proximity to existing grocery offerings ✓

08.2 Proximity to public amenities /schools/workplaces ✓

09. Community benefits

09.1 Regenerative potential of existing neighbourhoods ✕

09.2 Links to existing food related community infrastructure ✓

10. Economic development potential

10.1 Proximity to high demand areas ✓

Public space

Covered Car park /Market

Market building for storage

10.1 Facilitates town centre/high street business development ✓

11.1 Facilitates waste removal ✕

Pop up market stalls

11.2 Acoustic separation/distance from dwellings ✕

11. Avoids amenity issues

Food related social enterprise

11.3 Avoids nuisance upon neighboring businesses ✓

11.1 Facilitates waste removal ✕

11.2 Acoustic separation/distance from dwellings ✕

11.3 Avoids nuisance upon neighboring businesses ✓

Pedestrian routes

Vehicle routes

0 10

50 25

connection to thoroughfare along South Brdige / A7

connection to existing pedestrian pathways

Site Strategy

connection to University of Edinburgh & Edinburgh Central Mosque

NICHOLSON SQUARE GARDENS

connection to existing pedestrian pathways

Leith Links

Address

Leith Links, EH6 7EB

Size 4000m²

Title number Not on Land Register

Ownership

The city of Edinburgh Council

Planning history

No planning history

0 25 50 100

Site 07 Leith Links Site Strategy

01. Access & Transport

01.1 Access to peripheral transport networks ✓

01.2 Service access for deliveries ✓

02. Access to customer base

02.1 Links to cycle/pedestrian & public transport routes ✕ No bus top within 250m radius but high frequentation zone

02.2 Located within areas of high footfall ✓

03. Scale

03.1 1500-2000m² ✓✓ 9400m² - Would require allowance for community garden

03.2 Suitable for 30-60 stalls & public events ✓

04. Visibility

04.1 High visibility ✓

04.2 Links to local context & history ✓

04.3 Relationship to other public realm strategies ✓

04.4 Proximity to tourism infrastructure ✕

05. Access to food

05.1 Location to vulnerable consumer groups and food deserts ✕ Not in a food desert

05.2 Proximity to key regeneration sites, areas of need identified by SIMD data ✓✓ Close to vulnerable community

06. Land ownership/cost/availabilty

06.1 Council controlled property

06.2 Available/ derelict or low intensity land use ✓

07. Potential for sustainable strategies

07.1 Solar generation potential ✓

07.2 EV potential ✓

07.3 Links to Biodiversity and growing spaces ✓✓ Existing community garden on site

08. Proximity to existing food infrastructure/local centres

08.1 Proximity to existing grocery offerings ✓

08.2 Proximity to public amenities /schools/workplaces ✓ Leith Primary School

09. Community benefits

09.1 Regenerative potential of existing neighbourhoods ✓

09.2 Links to existing food related community infrastructure ✓

10. Economic development potential

10.1 Proximity to high demand areas ✓

10.1 Facilitates town centre/high street business development ✓

11. Avoids amenity issues

11.1 Facilitates waste removal ✓

11.2 Acoustic separation/distance from dwellings ✕

11.3 Avoids nuisance upon neighboring businesses ✓

Public space

Covered market

Market - pop-up market stalls

Green space part of park

Existing community garden

Partnership with existing community garden association

Pedestrian routes

Vehicle routes

0 10

14.0 Improvements to Edinburgh’s existing market infrastructure.

Site 01 Market Street

Address

Main Building Waverley Station 4 Waverley Bridge Edinburgh EH1 1BB

Size 6700m²

Title number

Not on Land Register

Ownership

Network Rail

Planning history

18/01946/LBC - application granted on 26/06/18 for the retention of a temporary access and ramp until September 2020.

East Market St

Waverley Station

Governor’s House

St Andrew’s House

The City of Edinburgh Council The

Selgas Cano, food market Greenwich Design District Foster and Partners, Pavilion Marseille Architecture for Humans, Pristina, stalls and auditorium

CEC Offices

Site 01 Market Street

Site Strategy

This site occupies a prominent location close the historic site of Edinburgh’s fruit market which gave name to the Street. The site creates a link between Princes Street and the Caltongte development. The site could form a key public space overlooking the Waverley valley, and as a connector between Edinburgh’s Royal Mile tourist trail and the new vaulted retail units and Edinburgh Gin distillery.

Covered public space supported on columns partially over car park

Market - Pop up market stalls Market Street ArchesPotential retail partners

Extension of pedestrian realm for occasional street market

Pedestrian routes Vehicle routes

0 10 50 25

Roof viewable from

King’sStablesRd

CastleTerrace

Site 02

Castle Terrace Car Park

Address

Castle Terrace, EH1 2EW

Size 7000m² (plot)

Title number MID82917

Ownership

NCP Limited

Planning history

19/04146/CLP - application granted on 22/10/19 for the installation of Electric Vehicle charging point at Level 2.

0

Site 02 Castle Terrace Car Park Site Strategy

This site occupies a prominent location close to the Old town. The site creates a link between the West end of Princes Street, the Theatre quarter and the Grassmarket. The site could form a key public space overlooking Edinburgh Castle.

The site is currently used by Edinburgh Farmers market, and is also used as a car park. The existing car park is listed and has stepped access to Kings Stables Road below.