Penicuik heritage project exceeds expectations

A multi-million-pound regeneration project to breathe new life into Penicuik has exceeded its original aims, a new report finds.

Multiple achievements

Over six years, the Penicuik Heritage Regeneration Project has repaired and restored 28 historic buildings, improved 20 shopfronts, brought two empty buildings back into use, improved public spaces and completed around 600 community engagement, training and education initiatives.

Six year project

Midlothian Provost Debbi McCall, the chair of the Penicuik Heritage Regeneration Project Team, said: “It’s fantastic to read Midlothian Voluntary Action’s evaluation report concludes the project has exceeded its original aims. I think we’d all agree, the now completed six-year project has achieved a great deal.

£5.1 million investment

“Thanks to investment of £5.1 million, the shopfront improvements are helping boost the economy, while the public realm work on the High Street and Bridge Street to widen and repave footpaths makes shopping in the area safer and more comfortable for pedestrians.

Learning new skills

“The local character of the buildings has been restored, and it has been wonderful to see young people learn about local history through storytelling, art and tackling new skills like stonework.

Lasting legacy

“The project will leave a lasting legacy we can build upon. We need volunteers to help run and manage the new heritage trail and to make best use of the newly restored Hearse House in St Mungo’s churchyard as a base for the trail. Meanwhile, the final phase of the public realm work, repaving adjacent to nos 2-4 The Square will start in the spring, completing the transformation of the town centre.

Extended thanks

“Many thanks to everyone involved, including our funders.”

Funders

The Penicuik Heritage Regeneration is funded by Midlothian Council, the National Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and is supported by Penicuik Community Development Trust, Penicuik and District Community Council ,Penicuik Arts Association, the Penicuik Alliance and the Penicuik Historical Society.

To volunteer

If you are interested in any of the volunteering opportunities mentioned above email pcdt-management@penicuik.org.uk