Ever skated a spot you helped build?
Imagine cruising down smooth, hand-crafted paths, weaving past raised planters where the buzz of local life merges with nature’s hum. Coalie Park is about to give you that experience—and it’s not just about skating.
A New Era for Coalie Park
Coalie Park is changing. Not just a facelift, but a reimagining of what a park can be. Thanks to the Water of Leith Conservation Trust and the work of our team at Edinburgh Wheels, this space will soon become something unique. Part skate haven. Part green sanctuary. Part community hub.
We’re not just building a skate spot. We’re creating a place where movement, creativity, and nature meet. Every path and structure will tell a story of community effort.
Why Does This Matter to You?
You skate. You know what it feels like when the ground is smooth, the obstacles are built right, and the flow just clicks. But what if you also helped design it? What if your input shaped how the space works for you and others?
That’s what’s happening here. Skaters, local residents, and the Council’s Play Team are working together. Each ramp and rail will be purpose-built, designed to make this space safe and functional.
But we’re going further. We’re including biodiverse green areas, bike racks, and even an amphitheatre-style hangout spot for teens.
Where Concrete Meets Sustainability
Concrete might not scream sustainability, but we’re proving otherwise. We’ll be using excess concrete from other projects—waste turned into opportunity. It’s all part of our low-carbon, waste-efficient approach.
Think about this: the brick structure near the Great Junction Street Bridge won’t be demolished. Instead, we’ll wrap it into the design, turning it into a skate platform, hangout space, and planter terrace.
No waste. Just creativity.
A Safer Space for Everyone
Ever felt like a spot wasn’t built with you in mind? We know the feeling. That’s why Coalie Park will be different. The design layers uses and users, making the space safer by keeping activity in view. Eyes on the ground. Skaters, walkers, teens, and nature enthusiasts will all have their space—but the overlaps will keep things dynamic.
The Role of Balfour Beatty
Balfour Beatty are the principal contractor for phase 1 of the Leith Connections Active Travel project. The project, with funding from Sustrans and being delivered via the Scape Framework for City of Edinburgh Council, will see the creation of safer and more comfortable conditions for walking, wheeling, and cycling, alongside a more attractive street environment where residents can spend time in their local, outdoor spaces.
As part of their delivery on the Scape Civil Engineering Framework, Balfour Beatty is working with the local community to develop a place-based Social Impact Action Plan (SIAP) that will deliver positive outcomes and leave a lasting legacy. During the development of this plan, they connected with us at Edinburgh Wheels and were excited about our plans to create a skate spot at the Dock area of Coalie Park by engaging young people—providing them with training and work experience.
Since then, Balfour Beatty has committed to supporting the project through benefit-in-kind donations of materials, professional advice, volunteering, and collaborating with partners like Raeburn Training to develop the training aspects. Their support will be crucial as we gear up to break ground this Spring and watch the impact unfold over time.
What’s Next?
We’re already working with community groups and volunteers to get the planters ready. Imagine planting wildflowers between skate sessions, or helping install rainwater planters that reduce runoff and prevent flooding.
Does this sound like something you want to be part of?
The Coalie Collective
It’s not just us. We’re working alongside community leaders, local organisations, and the Council. This project is about listening. From the online “Coalie Conversation” to local events, over 450 people have already shared ideas.
You still can too.
How You Can Get Involved
- Join our community planting days.
- Help build skate paths.
- Come to our events.
- Share ideas for making the park safer and more welcoming.
Whether you want to skate, plant, or just hang out, Coalie Park is for you.
One Final Question
When was the last time you built something that will last?
This is your chance. Don’t miss it.