Skateboard and bouldering areas in £4m park revamp

The park will receive a £4m upgrade, with work due to start next year

New skateboard and bouldering areas will be created in an Edinburgh park after planning permission was granted on a £4m redevelopment.

A community garden will also be created within West Pilton Park after the project secured funding from the Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT).

The trust said it hoped the plans would help "reinvigorate" the area.

Work on the project is due to get under way next year.

A "seasonal wetland" surrounded by a raised wooden boardwalk will also be created in the park as part of the redevelopment.

It will include revamped play areas featuring basketball hoops and climbing apparatus alongside a special area for dog training.

ELGT chief executive Charlie Cumming said: "The new amenities will provide an opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents as well as helping them to reclaim the park as a welcoming community space.

"The new play facilities will help meet the needs of the local children now and for future generations and will encourage greater use of the park for local families."

SLR landscape architects are carrying out the redesign of the project in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council.

Councillor Val Walker, the city's culture and communities convener, said: "Our parks have a positive impact on people's physical and mental health and wellbeing by providing space for exercise, relaxation, social contact with friends and family, and opportunities for children and young people to play.

"I look forward to seeing the space at West Pilton Park take shape for our community and the development of new play areas and growing opportunities for locals and organisations."