April 2 2014

The former headquarters of the North British Rubber Company, inventors of the humble Wellington boot, car tyre and traffic cone, is to be transformed into a print-making facility and creative enterprises hub after securing a £5m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Castle Mills in Edinburgh’s Fountainbridge district had been under threat of demolition but, with after help from Oliver Chapman Architects, its future has now been secured and it will now become a base for Edinburgh Printmakers and new enterprises.

Work to the property will be carried out in phases and includes repair of the external fabric to improve insulation and the creation of new open plan floorplates internally with lift and stairwell access.

HLF head Colin McLean said:  “Castle Mills was once at the heart of a thriving community but now stands empty and neglected and whilst much-loved, its restoration presents huge financial challenges. We are delighted to be able to help unlock its potential so that it can once again be a centre for new ideas and productivity and a catalyst in the regeneration of Fountainbridge.”

Built between 1856 and 1897 the factory is the last physical reminder of the area’s industrial heritage and had been languishing on the Buildings at Risk register prior to today’s announcement.

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