Area Information
Across Princes Street, on the South side of James Craig’s and Robert Adam’s famous New Town, are situated one or two pockets of prime Victorian housing. The Craigmillar Park Conservation Area sits betwixt the extinct Volcano of Arthur’s Seat and the volcanic plug of Blackford Hill. It is just some 1.¾ miles due South of the General Post Office – that site being the centre point of measurement adopted by the city many years ago.
We have Crescents, Roads and Streets with very desirable housing that is extremely sought after and, families and young children who contribute to an engaging neighbourhood. Until recently, we had three churches, and are home to the extensive complex that was the Royal Blind School. This was designed by Charles Leadbetter in 1876 and purpose built. As the School began transferring to a smaller location – it was realised that to retain the original structure, a convincing conservation plan was needed. A private contractor submitted and obtained approval for a sympathetic conversion for about 50 flats. The building which is now duly converted, and internally modernised has quickly become recognised as being a most desirable location, since it enjoys the original extensive grounds and is almost right in the centre of the area. There was a lot of interest from people wanting to ‘downsize’ for which it was totally suitable and this in turn released larger properties to the marketplace.
East Suffolk Road was the birthplace for St. Margaret’s School for Girls and we can still enjoy their famed art-deco style Games Pavilion which still stands opposite East Suffolk Road. It is much cherished by the Association as it is recognised as being a corner stone in our development. Part of the original school is now used as a retirement home and plays an important community role.
Further Information
A.K.Robinson designed and created some imposing housing at East Suffolk for young ladies attending (Moray House)! Whilst no longer in use for that original purpose, these graceful buildings were tastefully converted into spacious flats in the 1990’s. Besides having a very beautiful Azalea Garden, it has been possible to retain the wonderful open aspect which provides a beautiful to walk and relax.
The CPA has a special interest in five wild nature strips which are located within our area. These are located at the North end of Granby Road; a further two border the East end of Suffolk Road and the final two are located on Gilmour Road. We are fortunate to have many keen gardeners and strolling round one can take much pleasure from this.
Fine curved streets – Bright’s Crescent and Crawfurd Road are examples of what late Victorian build could be achieved. Long parallel roads like Wilton, Lygon , Gilmour and Granby proudly show off their minor variations of architectural design. Nestled deep in the middle of these, one finds the Craigmillar Park Bowling Club with its splendid open views of the area and it has an extremely active set of members. The area also has an indoor Tennis Club and there is a Golf Club just outside the association’s area on West Mains Road.
Gordon Terrace sits proudly above Liberton Road with fantastic views of the famous Arthur Seat and on good days, the coastline of East Lothian. On the South-West side of the terrace there is newer housing which has gracefully slid in to fit in with the older styles.
This whole area is now a keenly sought-after locus for professionals in Medicine or academia, as it is very close to the University’s King’s Buildings and is a short drive to either – The Edinburgh Royal Infirmary or the new Bio-Quarter. It would be remiss not to mention the excellent bus service provided by Lothian Buses and there are frequent services to the City centre.
The Craigmillar Park Conservation Committee exists to ensure that every effort goes towards raising awareness of the gifts that the area has to offer. By opposing unsympathetic planning proposals, we have been able to minimise disruptive planning and maintained a balanced view on tree preservation. We have a role to play in working with Edinburgh City Council so that we can help minimise planning disruption and to this end, we work hard to ensure this is achieved through a very successful and regular engagement with our Local Councillors.
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