Away Industries

Aim

We are renovating an old bank to restore its incredible original features and create a welcoming event, exhibition & co-working space.

Away Industries is a start up with a mission to create a welcoming event, exhibition & co-working space co-founded by event consultant  Katy Fowler, and architect Matthew Johnson.

Away Industries can be found at 92 Constitution Street, Leith (92 CS) in a significant listed building at the crossroads with Queen Charlotte Street. We have always been drawn to the rich history and vibrancy of the area, and we were delighted when we secured a long term lease for the ground floor of a fabulous old bank.  

Facing the original Leith Town Hall, now occupied by the Leith Polis, 92 CS was originally built as a merchant’s house in 1793. The original vaults still exists at 92 CS, including a huge metal safe and  the astonishing metal shutters are thankfully all still in situ. 

In spare time over the past 14 months Katy and Matt  have carried out all the renovation works ourselves. We have removed many layers of carpet tiles, bogging glue, linings and levelling screed, to expose the stunning original floor boards, throughout the building.  We have sanded these back and sealed them to ensure their longevity. We can’t quite believe why anyone would want to cover them up! 

In the three main spaces we have plastered the walls, well, the best plasterer in Scotland did. 

So, about these three main spaces at Away Industries, they are pretty impressive.

The largest space, we have named ‘The Telling Hall’, and our vision for this area is for a dynamic event space for exhibitions, screenings, launches, pop ups and gallery residencies, private dining, meeting room hire,  hourly and daily hot desking......what would you do?

It is quite hard to describe the quality of light in this space as anything other than outstanding. The corner aspect on a crossroads allows light to move beautifully round the space enhancing productivity, creativity, and overall well-being.

Our second largest space, we have named ‘The Office of the Manager’, the original vault and safe are here, including the biggest key on the planet. Other than the magnificent bird of paradise we have put in this room, the beautiful fireplace long hidden behind magnolia painted plywood is one of the most prominent features in the space. 

The 'Office of the Manager' is home to Away Industries first resident, Haar Architects. 

Our third space, we have named ‘The Cash Room’. Our vision for this space is ideally for a permanent residency, with a small agency making it their home. Alternatively it will house around 6 co working spaces and could function well as a meeting room. 

This room points west and the afternoon and evening light in here is fantastic, particularly as it faces onto our top secret courtyard. 

We would like to open our doors as we welcome the trams to Leith.  We can see the tram stop from our front door, literally 60 seconds away, enabling a connection between Leith, Edinburgh City Centre and Edinburgh International Airport. 

There will be a captive audience as trams and vehicles wait for the lights, creating an amazing opportunity to showcase Away Industries and all who sail in her. 

As custodians of this wonderful building we have an obligation to make a positive contribution to the community and we are passionate about repurposing this old building to create unique and interesting spaces that contribute to the cultural and social life of the community.

This is a fantastic opportunity to provide a unique backdrop for many types of creative industries set in the vibrant community of Leith. The prominent location of Away Industries at a crossroads is important literally and metaphorically. 

Away represents a journey, and we chose the word industry because it reflects the hard work, diligence, organisation, development and growth that we want to bring back to this building.  

We recognise the significance of the building, and the importance of a sensitive restoration, but we have taken this as far as we can and are asking for help to allow us to complete works with the respect the building deserves.  

Exposing the original shutters     Exposing wonderful original metal detail 

Exposing the original black marble fireplace 

WHY ARE WE CROWDFUNDING 

Short story....to continue and finalise the renovations and refurbishment at 92 CS.

We are now at the stage we need to engage with professionals to assist with some of the below and whilst we will still be rolling up our sleeves, we need to assemble a team to help for the final push. 

• Heating and Plumbing throughout
• Electrics - Full rewire
• Plasterer - 2 x bathrooms and kitchen 
• Fitted kitchen 
• Insulation 
• Paint removal - shutters and metal doors 
• Painting - internal woodwork 
• Sand and seal The Cash Room floor 
• Micro cement pour - Hallway, kitchen and WC's 
• Main Door - Strip, paint & seal
• Website development
• Marketing and PR

WHY PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT

The crowdfunding campaign is about the next steps for Away Industries. 

At the heart of this is community.  Supporting local businesses in Leith and the wider City of Edinburgh is a key part of our aspirations. 

Events and Hospitality sectors are still recovering from the pandemic, and it is important that when we do open our doors, we are bringing local cafes, bakeries, restaurants and furniture suppliers with us on our journey. 

A rising tide lifts all ships, eh? 

We have a big vision for Away Industries, and your support will make a massive difference. As many commercial properties lie empty across the city, we have an opportunity to bring activity and industry back into this magnificent building. 

Whether you buy merchandise or would like to come and join us and others for a private dining experience, we hope you can pledge support, to allow us to finish renovating a truly remarkable space. Thank you! 

THANK YOU!

Thank you so much for reading about our crowdfunding campaign.

It's really appreciated, and we hope you can help and support us to finish the project! We can't wait to welcome you to the space and show you around Away Industries. 

This project successfully funded on 28th May 2023