Plans for abandoned East Lothian garage to be transformed into creative hub

Plans are underway to purchase and redevelop a derelict site in East Lothian.

The exciting new community development is to be called ‘Marketgate’ and will be nestled at the corner of Hardgate and Victoria Terrace in Haddington.

Currently, the remains of an old garage are on the site. It was first known as Rose’s garage in 1923, with the workshop area constructed from a First World War aircraft hanger relocated from East Fortune airfield. The shop and flats formerly on the corner site were bombed in 1942 and the space was then used as a petrol station and garage until 2008.

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While the site was then sold for a housing development, nothing was built, and has been a wasteland since.

Since 2016, the semi-derelict buildings on Hardgate have been home for MADE in East Lothian, a creative social enterprise that supports local artists, runs creative workshops and is home to a reuse hub for donated art and craft materials.

However, the premises, which are currently privately owned, are in a considerable state of disrepair and a steering group has been formed to help re-invent the site as a purpose-built community-led centre with Made’s ethos of ‘make, create and reuse’.

the semi-derelict buildings on Hardgate have been home for MADE in East Lothian

Among potential uses for Marketgate are studios and workshops for creatives, co-working spaces, a variety of retail spaces, a refurbished gallery and arts hub and programmes to support local people develop skills.

The vision is to also include a community space for events, meetings and performances, a cafe/bistro and a community garden.

The whole project aims to create a positive impact for people and the planet, with a focus on sustainability and community benefit, whilst providing a flexible, shared space for work, play and learning for all age groups.

The steering group has already secured initial funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund, Scottish Land Fund and East Lothian Council to explore the feasibility of the whole project.

They are in the process of establishing a new organisation, set to be called Marketgate Community Trust to move the project forward.

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Fiona Lambert, one of the founding directors of MADE said: “An exciting plan is now progressing to purchase the site and reimagine these historic buildings and overgrown outdoor spaces as a thriving hub for community, creativity and sustainability. A steering group for the project has now been set up and they are looking for support and ideas from the local community throughout Haddington and East Lothian to help achieve this vision of a flexible, shared community space.

“We’re now looking for founding directors to join our voluntary board to help develop the next stage of a sustainable business plan and fundraising strategy.”

Fiona added: “Everyone with an interest is invited to join us, but for the board directors we particularly need people with experience in law, finance and property development as well as people who have expertise in the arts, culture and creative industries, the built environment and community engagement. To meet the criteria, they should also be living in Haddington.

“Of course, everyone throughout East Lothian is welcome to come and find out more about this ambitious, exciting project, which will breathe new life into the site and benefit the whole community.”

The Marketgate steering group will be hosting a stall at Farmer’s Market, on Saturday January, 27, and again on Haddington High Street on February 3 and 10, where interested people can find out more, offer up ideas and give feedback on the initial architectural drawings which will be provided by local architect, Kevin MacKenzie.