Season’s greetings from the LLAP team!
2025 has been a year of important milestones for the Leith Links Activity Hub project.
In June, detailed designs were published for the skatepark, roller rink and pump track. Developed by Betongpark with input from local skateboarding, BMX and rollerskating communities, the designs include a plaza-style skatepark with bowls for different skill levels, a shared concrete bike track, and a flat roller rink suitable for a wide range of skating activities.
These form part of a wider landscape proposal developed by AtkinsRéalis and published in December as part of a RIBA Stage 2 report. This level of design enables the Thriving Greenspaces team at the City of Edinburgh Council to explore funding opportunities and prepares the project for future planning permission, marking the end of the design phase following the October 2023 public consultation.
Another welcome addition to the Links in 2025 was the opening of new public toilets beside the former bowling green site. Permanent toilets were the no. 1 idea in the 2021 consultation on the bowling greens led by Leith Links Community Council. While currently closed due to drainage issues, remedial works are underway with a reopening expected in early 2026.
Elsewhere in Leith, 2025 saw the opening of The Dock skate area in Coalie Park beside the Water of Leith – the first permanent outdoor skate facility in the area – delivered by the Water of Leith Conservation Trust in collaboration with the Edinburgh Wheels Project & Odyssey Skateparks.
There’s also been a growing buzz around rollerskating, with Edinburgh Rollerskating Association launching ‘Freestyle Fridays’ weekly social skates at Leith Community Centre.
Further afield, Cat’s Friday Skate Club continue to champion indoor skating through free weekly sessions, recently developing a temporary facility at The Paper Factory with help from Odyssey.
Thank you to everyone in the Leith community for your continued support – the likes, messages, conversations and encouragement help keep the momentum going.
Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year!
The LLAP team 🎄
Leith Links Activity Park 