Social Investment boosts return of Pitt community hub in Granton
The Pitt, Edinburgh’s beloved street food haven, is preparing to open in a new Granton location. Officially opening on Friday 6 December 2024, the all new Pitt will be a hub for local community and enterprise.
Retail and market units as well as spaces dedicated to community groups and families now sit alongside the permanent street food market. Local groups such as Granton Youth, Granton Community Garden and Granton Castle Walled Garden are all already part of the new partnership approach.
This exciting new £500,000+ venture, is led by not-for-profit community interest company Granton Project CIC, and promises to bring economic opportunity to the area. Funding from Firstport and Foundation Scotland enabled the transformation of the 15,000 sq ft space, as well as a successful crowdfunding campaign further supporting the development.
Located on West Shore Road, the all new Pitt occupies a formerly empty warehouse, and is more than twice the size of its previous location.
Hal Prescott, Chief Executive of The Pitt said:
The Pitt, Granton has been two years in the making so I could not be more delighted to be announcing our official opening date. The new Pitt has all the core ingredients from the original Pitt but is supercharged with a significant event space, family areas, a coworking space, two permanent saunas and of course this fantastic location on the Granton prom. We’re a very small team working to make a big difference to north Edinburgh and the support we’ve had financially and as advisors from Firstport and Foundation Scotland has been invaluable to us, The Pitt simply wouldn’t be reopening without them.
Ali Kennedy, Social Investment Executive with Foundation Scotland, said:
This project will have a massive impact on the local surrounding communities, and the ambition of Hal and the Granton Project CIC team is to be commended. We’re very impressed by all the activity and collaborations emerging to date, and are confident that our investment will support even more impact, more local aspiration, and the creation of even more pathways into the hospitality sector. Our blend of grant and loan investment offers flexibility for innovative projects like this, and we know that the team will deliver a unique and thriving community project for Granton and beyond.
Daisy Ford-Downes, Head of Group Investment Programmes at Firstport, said:
Hal and his team have been working tirelessly to get to this point, so we are delighted that The Pitt is finally ready to open its doors to customers. The Catalyst Fund, with its patient and flexible repayment model, was designed to support projects just like this- innovative, ambitious, collaborative, and with the potential to make a positive impact in the community. The Pitt in Granton, with a brand new venue, amazing trader line up and strong partnerships, is well placed to become not just a foodie’s destination, but also a thriving hub for enterprise development and community action.
The Pitt will feature a mix of familiar faces from the old Pitt Street location, such as Buffalo Truck and Barney’s Beer, alongside exciting new traders such as Pulp Friction, Choola and Fire Bowl. One notable addition is Social Bite, who will be the exclusive dessert provider.
Hal Prescott emphasized the market’s commitment to the local community and fostering entrepreneurship:
The Pitt Market will always be free to enter, and we are committed to making sure all ticketed events are affordable for all. The local community has welcomed us with open arms with many local organisations connecting, collaborating and supporting our development and opening – we look forward to more getting in touch and to the partnerships, businesses and ideas which develop from The Pitt.
As part of the wider Granton Waterfront regeneration project, The Pitt will become a local hub fostering social cohesion and enterprise in North Edinburgh. The venue opening will mark a significant milestone in the area’s ongoing regeneration.
Ali Kennedy said:
This fantastic project is a shining example of how social investment from organisations such as Foundation Scotland can make a huge difference to social enterprises, providing not just flexible finance but also advice and guidance, creating relationships and partnerships that, in and of themselves, are an integral part of our Social Investment journey.