Scottish Historic Buildings Trust
Conserving the Past, Enriching the Future
Custom House is an imposing Georgian building at the heart of The Shore area of Leith. Completed in 1812, the building retained its original use until 1980 when it became a museum store. When it was to be sold for redevelopment in 2015, The City of Edinburgh Council stepped in to acquire Custom House and appointed SHBT to lead its regeneration and restoration. After almost 35 years with no public access, the building is now being brought back to life as a thriving hub for the creative industries whilst the capital project to restore it is developed.
There are a number of rooms available for event hire as well as a variety of flexible office / studio spaces available to let. All proceeds from the letting and hire of the building go towards its ongoing upkeep and future restoration. For members of the public who are particularly interested in the building, SHBT operates a series of open days throughout the year.
SHBT recently undertook a feasibility study for Custom House, Leith, with Richard Murphy Architects. Our proposal for the building will create a mixed-use community and creative hub with the potential for heritage display, securing the future of this landmark building while making it open, accessible, and sustainable for everyone to enjoy.
The plans for the redevelopment of Custom House into a community and creative hub need your help to progress. Let us know what you think of our proposals, and tell us how you would use the exciting new spaces, by filling in our short survey.
Custom House’s convenient location and stunning architecture makes it an ideal Edinburgh venue for a range of public and private events including exhibitions, meetings, community events, receptions and other celebrations. Choose from a number of bright and spacious rooms including the Gallery and our Meeting Rooms, all of which are accessible via the Wharf. To request a viewing or find out more get in touch.
The rooms at Custom House provide tenants with a quiet work atmosphere and the chance to be part of a creative community. The building is accessible 24/7 and there is a simple, all-inclusive monthly fee. Tenants benefit from convenient access to the Custom House events space for regular events or exhibitions. Access to the private car park and mail forwarding services are also both available by separate negotiation for a separate fee. While we don’t currently have any studio spaces available, please get in touch and we would be happy to put you onto a waitlist.
As one of Leith’s most distinctive and show-stopping Georgian buildings, Custom House is the perfect blank canvas wedding venue for your celebration with SHBT staff working with you to fully customise the building for your use.
There are a number of spaces available to hire in the Custom House car park off Commercial Street. Get in touch for more information on availability.
If you are looking to establish your business from a prestigious address or are working from home and wanting to keep business and private addresses separate, Custom House can provide a mail box service which allows businesses to use the building as their registered address.
