Former Debenhams store handed over to the community
Community groups in Leith have temporarily been given the keys to a former Debenhams
A former Debenhams store is to be given a new lease on life, with community groups offered the chance to utilise the 90,000 square foot unit.
The empty department store at Ocean Terminal in Leith is re-opening it's doors to become 'The Wee Hub'.
The project is being led by the Living Memory Association, who already have a base in the shopping centre.
For the next few months, The Wee Hub will occupy the ground and first floor of the shop.
As well as bringing in a variety of arts, drama and sports organisations to make use of the space, the Living Memory Association has constructed areas dedicated to dance and theatre, children’s play, crafts, a library and a ‘wee sit and knit’ (amongst many others) to bring people of all ages together.
It will also be the base for several community projects including the Wee Crowd of Folk, where anyone can dress or decorate one of the many available mannequins, the Wee Reekie, which invites people to paint where they live and the Wee Heritage Centre.
Some of the groups going into the space include street soccer, circus workshops and Edinburgh zoo
Miles Tubb, project co-ordinator of The Living Memory Association said: “Our new community hub provides a much-needed lifeline to groups on the back of Covid that require additional and flexible space to support their needs.
"Whilst this is a temporary facility for us to use and enjoy, it is fantastic that Ocean Terminal has had the drive and determination to repurpose the unit for the community, rather than leaving it to stand empty.”
And Michelle Macleod, Centre Manager at Ocean Terminal added: “As a team we are excited to welcome this incredibly varied mix of sports and arts community groups to the centre.
"As our community opens up again post COVID, these organisations will bring new energy to the centre and create more reasons beyond our current retail and leisure offering for new and existing audiences to come to OT.”