McLaughlin & Harvey restore Granton gasholder to former glory

McLaughlin & Harvey (M&H) is on site for the restoration of the historic Granton gasholder in Edinburgh.

The bell of the gasholder on Granton Waterfront has been taken apart to provide a high-quality public park within the original 76 x 46-metre frame.

M&H began work on site in January as main contractor on behalf of The City of Edinburgh Council using £16.4 million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

The Scottish Government also provided an additional £1.2 million for the new public park.

Edinburgh Council plan to create a new multifunctional public space in the area, as part of a wider £1.3 billion regeneration project to create a sustainable coastal town at Granton Waterfront.

The space within the restored gasholder will have multi-sensory play zones, a dedicated space for permanent and temporary public art, a relaxation area, outdoor trails and tracks for exercise.

There will also be large outdoor space for events such as sports, markets, community use, festivals, performances, and exhibitions.

“McLaughlin & Harvey is delighted to be main contractor for the restoration works at Granton gasholder,” said Seamus Devlin, McLaughlin & Harvey civil engineering director.

“We bring with us a wealth of experience in the civil engineering sector and look forward to completing the deconstruction of the bell […] and the removal of the walls in the upcoming weeks.”

UK Government minister for Levelling Up, Dehenna Davison, added: “The Granton gasholder has been part of Edinburgh’s skyline for over 120 years and will soon be brought back to life as a real community asset.

“The bell’s removal will ensure the structure can be restored to its former glory, whilst the space will be brought into the 21st Century by becoming a destination for families, residents, and future generations to enjoy.”