Working groups
The Astley Ainslie Local Place Plan sets out a shared community vision for the future of this much-loved site. To help move that vision into action, four working groups have been established: Community Ownership, Housing, Community Hub, and Natural Environment. Each group will focus on a key part of the plan, helping to shape practical projects, build partnerships and support community-led delivery. Although Health and Wellbeing is not a separate working group, it sits at the heart of them all, reflecting Astley Ainslie’s long-standing role as a place of care, connection, nature and everyday wellbeing.
Below, you can meet the four working group leads and learn more about the experience, skills, and local knowledge they bring to this important work.
Community Ownership
Led by Howard Royston, Trustee
Howard brings valuable practical experience to the Community Ownership Working Group as a retired Chartered Building Surveyor with 24 years of NHS estate management experience across Edinburgh, the Lothians and nationally. His understanding of public-sector estates, buildings and the need to balance different interests will help guide AACT’s work to protect Astley Ainslie’s special qualities for long-term community benefit.
AACT Community Ownership Working Group Remit
1. Consider what the focus (land or buildings) should be for community purchase.
2. Consider which route is most appropriate for community purchase: Community Right to Buy or Community Asset Transfer?
3. Investigate steps involved in the chosen route.
4. Advise AACT on changes and developments required to qualify for community purchase.
5. Consider sources of funding for community purchase.
6. Seek appropriate advice and support as plans develop.
Natural Environment
Led by Helen Sang, Trustee
Helen leads the Natural Environment Working Group, bringing a strong scientific background and a deep appreciation of Astley Ainslie’s landscape and buildings. She is a geneticist who worked at the Roslin Institute and the University of Edinburgh for nearly 40 years, with extensive experience in research, public engagement and senior roles in the UK research community.
AACT Natural Environment and Access Working Group Remit
1. Develop an outline plan for the future of the greenspaces of the AA site, integrating tree preservation with the wider natural environment. This will include consideration of support for biodiversity, play spaces for children (both structured and free play), pathway access and spaces for rest and relaxation.
2. Identify possible location(s) for a community garden. Consider models for ownership/management and long-term support for a community garden. Meet with organisers of other community gardens in the wider area to learn from their experiences.
3. Engage with potential stakeholders who may want access and assess their requirements and possible contributions.
4. Review current ideas for active transport routes and develop links with local groups involved in walking/wheeling/cycling.
5. Keep informed of local vehicle access and public transport plans.
6. Identify methods to give permanent and legal protection to the green spaces whether by community ownership or community participation, or by designation as a public park or some other settlement, to further and give effect to those parts of the Local Place Plan which concern the green spaces and the natural environment.
Community Hub
Led by Rebecca Hackett, Trustee
Rebecca brings wide-ranging experience in policy, negotiation, engagement and organisational change, developed over more than 20 years as a civil servant working across the UK Government, Scottish Government and European institutions. Her local connection to Astley Ainslie, combined with this professional background, makes her well placed to help shape a welcoming, practical and community-led hub for the site.
AACT Community Hub Working Group Remit
To assess local community and wider city needs that could be met through a community hub at the Astley Ainslie site.
To identify potential uses and users of the hub that align with the Local Place Plan and AACT's wider objectives.
To consider which existing buildings may be suitable for a community hub based on the assessed needs, and whether any new-build element would be required or appropriate.
To assess the funding, governance and delivery options required to develop the hub proposal.
To seek funding and appropriate advice to support the preparation of a business case.
To develop a clear business case for the hub, including potential costs, income, management arrangements and long-term sustainability.
Housing
Led by Keith Anderson, Trustee
Keith leads the Housing Working Group and brings over 40 years’ experience in housing, regeneration and planning, including senior roles in housing associations and local authorities. He retired in 2020 after 11 years as Chief Executive of Port of Leith Housing Association, and combines this professional expertise with a lifelong connection to the Astley Ainslie site and a commitment to the community-led vision for its future.
AACT Housing Working Group Remit
To be clear what we mean by the varying forms and definitions of housing tenure and housing types;
To understand the relevant planning process and regulations that this is likely to follow as distinct from building control regulations;
To consider and set out the appropriate housing densities, including archetypes suitable for the site and which could inform a potential design guide for the area;
To understand the potential "cost in use" consequences to the occupants of the preferred mix and type of housing, including energy/heating, maintenance and servicing homes and environment;
To understand how the preferred housing options and location of housing on the site impact movement and traffic issues (inc. access, active travel, and safety).
