Dr Bell’s Centre Leith, Edinburgh Junction Place Building Photo, B Listed Property

Dr Bell’s Centre Edinburgh

Leith Building Regeneration design by Smith Scott Mullan Architects

Location: Junction Place, Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland

Date built: 2006

Smith Scott Mullan Associates

Dr Bell’s Centre Photographs : Michael Wolchover / Paul Zanre

Dr Bell’s Centre Leith

Client: Port of Leith Housing Association

This project is a major component in the regeneration of central Leith and formed part of the City of Edinburgh Council’s successful Townscape Heritage Initiative.

Dr Bell’s School was a Category B Listed element within a group of historic buildings. These included a three storey wing of classrooms, the original school room and a swimming pool, all of which were drawn together by an ornate stone screen wall, including a sculpture of Dr Bell, a well known academic and the founder of the school.

Port of Leith Housing Association purchased the building for conversion into flats for social rent and a small Family Centre. The works included comprehensive stone repairs and reinstatement of traditional lead detailing. The distinctive original double stair, in the centre of the building, has been refurbished including providing a rooflight at top floor level. Thirteen dramatic flats have been created with high levels of natural light and stunning views of the Edinburgh and Leith skyline.

The Family Centre required a separate entrance providing an appropriate street presence. A new single storey stone façade has been formed leading to a small external courtyard and the glazed entrance of the reception area. This provides a welcoming entrance sequence with detail design using European oak and copper, creating a small but significant contemporary statement in the surrounding streetscape.

Dr Bell’s Family Centre address: Junction Place, Leith