THE beloved Gorgie City Farm is set to reopen after a new operator has successfully bid to take on a 25-year lease.
The farm, once called LOVE Gorgie Farm, was forced to close to the public two years ago due to a lack of funding.
Now, a company called Gorgie Community Farm has been chosen to operate the site and to introduce community endeavours such as volunteer gardens and allotments.
The farm animals, however, may not return for several years due to costs.
Gorgie Farm has been the site of temporary closure on many occasions since its opening in 1982.
In 2019, the farm went into liquidation despite raising over £100,000 and a visit from the late Queen Elizabeth II.
After reopening in 2020, the farm was affected by COVID-19 and had to close temporarily, and again shut its doors in 2023.
A spokesperson for Gorgie Community Farm had said that they endeavor to make the area “a functioning asset to which the community will enjoy access”.
They also stated that their vision is “a sustainable, inclusive and community driven facility that enhances the well-being of local residents through collaboration, education and social inclusion”.
A children’s play area will be created, and community workshops are planned to take place in collaboration with Edinburgh Forge, a pop-up community space in Fountainbridge specialising in woodwork and metalwork.
Gorgie Community Farm aims to reduce its reliance on grants which have proved unsteady in the past and will begin renting space to make up most of their income.
There are £5m of repairs needed on the building, and the company is reportedly aware of the challenge in getting the farm back to previous levels.
The council made clear when picking a new operator out of four bidders, that the farm should be inclusive, should be managed well, and must maintain transparency with locals and residents.
