Himalayan Centre Edinburgh
A community hub dedicated to arts, culture, and empowerment in the heart of Leith
About Us
The Himalayan Centre for Arts & Culture is a charitable organisation and social enterprise based at 121 Great Junction Street, Leith, Edinburgh, operating from a building that is as meaningful as the mission it now serves.
Our home is the former Dr Bell's Swimming Pool, a Category C-listed heritage building originally constructed in 1901 to improve public health for the working-class communities of Leith. The building stood empty and deteriorating for over a decade, becoming a symbol of urban neglect in a community already facing social and economic challenges.
Through careful restoration and sustainable design, the building has been transformed into the Himalayan Centre for Arts & Culture: a warm, welcoming space for creativity, connection, and community empowerment.
Charity Number: SC044650
Learn More
Volunteer Board Recruitment
The Himalayan Centre (Leith, Edinburgh) is inviting applications for two volunteer Directors (Charity Trustees) to join our board. This is a meaningful opportunity to help safeguard a historic community building and support its long-term future for arts, culture, and community wellbeing.
Our current directors bring strengths in community leadership and stakeholder engagement, hospitality operations, education and programme credibility, financial oversight, and institutional experience. We are now seeking to add two specialist skill areas to strengthen our governance and sustainability.
Director – Compliance, Governance & Risk
- Premises / licensing awareness and compliance culture
- Health & Safety, fire safety and event risk planning
- Policies, procedures, documentation and governance discipline
- Confident oversight to prevent issues early
Ideal background: compliance, governance, public sector, venue management, facilities, legal/risk, licensing, H&S, operations.
Director – Commercial Growth, Weddings & Events
- Venue hire strategy (weddings, corporate, private events)
- Marketing & partnerships (planners, suppliers, local networks)
- Pricing, packaging, enquiry conversion and pipeline planning
- Customer experience excellence and reputation building
Ideal background: venue sales, events management, hospitality commercial roles, marketing, business development, customer experience.
What we look for in both Directors
- Integrity, transparency, and a collaborative approach
- Commitment to the Centre’s charitable purpose
- Willingness to attend board meetings and contribute time monthly
- Ability to challenge constructively and support good decisions
Our Mission
Preserve Heritage
Reimagining listed buildings as socially and environmentally sustainable spaces.
Advance Education
Accessible classes, mentoring, and training for those facing disadvantage.
Promote Culture
Low-barrier access to creative spaces, festivals, exhibitions, and performances.
Build Community
Strengthening community through education, communication and understanding.
Our Services
Venue Hire
Victorian character with modern luxury. A premier multi-purpose event space in the heart of Leith.
Book Now
Volunteering
Learn new skills, build confidence, meet new people, and support a cause you believe in.
Volunteer With UsCommunity Programs
Language classes, sustainability projects, cultural programmes and more.
Learn MoreMembership
Declaration
By submitting this form, I apply for membership of the Himalayan Centre Edinburgh Ltd and agree to be bound by the Articles of Association and any membership rules adopted by the company.
I confirm that I am over 18 years of age (or applying for Youth Membership where appropriate), and that I have a strong connection with Leith and the surrounding areas of Edinburgh.
I understand that it is my responsibility to inform the company of any changes to my contact details.
Our Directors
Directors from hospitality, legal and IT bringing deep experience to deliver the Centre’s aims.
Upcoming Events
Satyanarayan Puja
Join us for a special Satyanarayan Puja ceremony at the Himalayan Centre.
Time: 10:00 AM onwards
RegisterInvestment Opportunity Deadline
Final day to submit applications to support our community space.
Deadline: 11:59 PM
Learn MoreInvestor & Life Member Dinner
An evening of celebration, networking, and cultural performances.
Time: 6:30 PM onwards
RSVPInvestment Opportunities
Secure Our Future Together
Exclusive opportunities to help secure the long-term future of the Himalayan Centre while providing potential returns.
Supporting a vital community resource and sustainable social enterprise model.
Application deadline: November 16th
Request InformationContact Us
Get In Touch
We'd love to hear from you. Reach out with any questions or to learn more.
Address
121 Great Junction Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 5JB
Phone
+44 (0) 479 383866