Posted on 14 Jan 2008

Employment and business opportunities in Craigmillar were boosted today (January 14) with the launch of an initiative which will see the local community benefiting further from the ongoing regeneration.

The Craigmillar Business and Employment Charter was launched by Councillor Tom Buchanan, Convener of the Economic Development Committee at The City of Edinburgh Council, at an event at the Hays Business Centre attended by a wide range of local businesses and community members.

The Charter encourages those signing up for it to use best endeavours to:

• Provide business opportunities for Craigmillar businesses
• Provide job opportunities for Craigmillar people
• Support local employment training initiatives

The Charter’s launch has already been supported by nine bodies including local training and business organisations, the regeneration company as well as the construction companies currently working on school and home building projects in Craigmillar. As more contractors and sub-contractors come onboard, they will also be asked to sign-up to the Charter and help support the local community.

Key elements of this initiative include the provision of career opportunities through apprenticeship programmes for the area’s young people and providing business opportunities for local businesses. This initiative is already starting to prove successful for local young people with some apprenticeships already created.

The initiative has been delivered in partnership by PARC – the body leading this regeneration, the Craigmillar District Business Association, Work Track and contractors to ensure local people and companies have full access to the variety of opportunities that will exist over the coming years.

This initiative demonstrates the commitment of PARC, contractors as well as the city council and all partners to ensuring the local community has every opportunity to benefit from this major development.

Launching the initiative, Councillor Buchanan said: “The regeneration of Craigmillar is about more than bricks and mortar, but requires the development of a vibrant local economy. Through providing employment and training opportunities for local residents, this Charter will help guarantee a sustainable future for Craigmillar. I warmly welcome this initiative which sees PARC, the business community and The City of Edinburgh Council come together in order to deliver for Craigmillar and its residents.”

John Quinn, PARC General Manager added: “Craigmillar is a community that is looking to the future; striving to create an environment that is good for economic, social and educational growth. Its clear vision and focus is a major force in delivering the regeneration and shows the community’s eagerness to realise great things.

“The launch of this Charter is a key element in all of this. We, along with our partners, are committed to making sure the people and businesses in Craigmillar benefit at all stages of this process. We believe this Charter will help achieve this and allow the community to play a significant role in driving forward the future of the area.”

The nine involved in the Craigmillar Business and Employment Charter are: PARC, Lovell Contractors, Hart Builders, Rettie and Co, Worktrack, CBC, HBG, Construction Academy and Cre8te.

In addition to today’s launch, the partners have published two key documents which will support the Charter. This first is a Construction Recruitment Services brochure which assists companies in sourcing and training additional staff. The second is the Craigmillar Business Directory which encourages the use of locally-based services ranging from electricians and joiners to local shops and community facilities.
An upskilling programme is also in place for local construction related businesses that might want to tender for sub contracting work.

PARC's plans include a major investment programme in a revived Craigmillar town centre, new primary schools included in a £13million joint campus due for completion later this year, other new educational facilities and library and 150-acres of surrounding green space transformed into a network of parks, river walkways, open woodland and play areas. A £500,000 'third generation' sports pitch - the first of its kind in Edinburgh, was officially opened in November 2007, at Castlebrae High School.

Notes to Editor: PARC

PARC is a joint venture company bringing together The EDI Group and The City of Edinburgh Council with local groups and individuals from the Craigmillar community.

Through PARC, the Urban Regeneration Company for the area, there will be an approximate investment of £200million in Craigmillar. For Craigmillar, PARC will achieve:

• new homes and a new town centre
• new employment and business opportunities for local people
• new primary schools and other educational facilities including a library
• new projects to improve open spaces and parks and restore the Niddrie Burn
• new community partnerships.

Read next: PARC Steps into the Future

Read previous: PARC Plans Green Gateway for Craigmillar