A popular Edinburgh bar and music venue once threatened with extinction by a hotel and student flats complex has launched a bid to expand.
Leith Depot was at the centre of a community storm in 2018 when property firm Drum unveiled plans to bulldoze its home in a former shopping strip to make way for the development.
The move gave rise to the Save Leith Walk campaign, who eventually forced the developer back to the drawing board after a planning appeal was dismissed by the Scottish Government more than a year later.
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Bosses at the Depot, located within an eye-catching 1930s red, sandstone block, have now lodged their own application for further space by taking over the former retail unit at 142 Leith Walk - with plans to open up their interior area to more patrons.
It states: “Leith Depot is a popular and highly valued establishment within the local community and we anticipate its expansion into 142 Leith Walk following the change of use will be warmly welcomed.
“The proposed change of use would not result in four or more consecutive non-shop units and the proposed public house use would complement the character of the area and enhance vitality and viability levels within Leith Town Centre during both daytime and evening hours.”
The expansion will not require any external modifications and will only feature “minor” interior changes to bring it up to standard.
Revised plans presented by Drum will now see the row of buildings preserved and refurbished for use as a “range of commercial premises”.
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Meanwhile, industrial units located directly behind Leith Walk would be demolished and replaced with a new “affordable” residential-led landscaped development linking to Pilrig Park.
Drum said the proposals would form part of a mixed-used scheme, combining “affordable housing for local people and a range of commercial units in a refurbished building.”
City of Edinburgh Council will now consider the proposals for Leith Depot's extension at a later date.
The application adds: “Granting planning permission will allow this vacant unit to be brought back into active use, it will support the expansion of an established local business and make an important contribution to vitality and viability levels within Leith Town Centre.”
