This is a time of change for Portobello Community Centre. Indeed, it is probably
the time of greatest change since it stopped being 'the steamie' and became a
meeting place for the residents of Portobello.
For a long time now (some 13 years to be exact) the aim has been to demolish the
Centre and build in its place a new, energy-efficient, purpose-built building
designed to meet the needs of Portobello by providing a 'one stop' location
incorporating the library, the activity centre, meeting places, and other
services such as physiotherapy and podiatry. For a time it looked as if the
dream would be fulfilled, but alas lack of political will and the recent economic
downturn have put an end to the dream in the meantime.
We are however currently negotiating with the Development Trust Association,
Councillors and Edinburgh City Council to investigate the possibility of a
transfer of the building to a Development Trust run by the local population to
improve the facility and possibly to resurrect the idea of rebuilding once the
economic situation improves. The dream is for a new Centre with housing above
funding the cost of the new build. Any developments will be reported here.
Of more immediate interest is the installation of
professional theatre sound and lighting in the main hall. We successfully
applied to Awards for All (who distribute Lottery funds) for their maximum grant
of £10,000 towards a total cost of just over £20,000 and the transformation took place early
in 2011 with the help of considerable generosity from the contractors, Northern
Light. One of the drivers for this has been the success of the Portobello Youth
Theatre - so successful that they were invited to perform in the 2010
and 2011 Festival Fringe where they performed to packed houses and received glowing
reviews. Building on that success, we intend to expand into the older age groups
and have already started a theatre group for teenagers to be followed shortly
thereafter by a senior group. So all you budding thespians, come along and give
it a try. There has also been considerable interest from professional groups in
using the facilities to put on shows and this should give a new lease of life to
the Porty nightlife.
Meanwhile, Portobello Community Centre is going from strength to strength
and your Committee are determined that this will continue.