Cockenzie celebrates 150 years of history

Our Cockenzie Business Centre was alive with nostalgic memories when we held a special event to celebrate the site’s 150th birthday.

The business centre in East Lothian was formerly a primary school and we invited former pupils to come along and celebrate the building’s anniversary with a tour of the premises and a slice of specially made birthday cake. Our customers at the centre also got to join in the celebrations.

Fifteen former pupils of Cockenzie School visited to see how it had changed and share memories of former teachers, friends and how things used to be. The event coincided with the Three Harbours Arts Festival, which showcases local art in unusual places. Cockenzie Business Centre is a regular venue and even has its own artist in residence, Andrew Crummy, who designed the Great Tapestry of Scotland.

Rich history

Business Centre Manager Gavin Luna said it was wonderful to hear stories of the building’s rich history.

“We were delighted to have so many former pupils come along to celebrate the centre’s 150th birthday and it was an honour to show them around the site,” he says.

It was lovely to hear about what had changed over the years and pleasing to know that people liked the fact the building was being looked after and well used. 

“Hearing people share their stories about their time here as schoolchildren was fascinating and it was very touching that they had the chance to reminisce together. We even had one lady visit who was a young girl in the area at the start of the Second World War. Her father had arrested the first prisoner of war in the initial attack on British soil.”

Eleven businesses have their home in Cockenzie Business Centre’s offices, including Greentrax Recordings, which has been based there more than 10 years.

“We put a lot of time and investment into maintaining all of our business centres, but our sites of historic interest are of course particularly important and have their own unique upkeep requirements,” our Sales and Marketing Director, Emma Long, says.

“It’s very pleasing to hear that people with such personal connections to the building are pleased with how we have looked after it and had such positive things to say.  We’re very proud that Bizspace could help mark such a significant milestone.”

Business space for rent

If you are looking for office space to rent in East Lothian on a flexible and affordable basis, our Cockenzie Business Centre could be perfect for your needs.  Studio space, storage units and a meeting room are also available and the site has car parking facilities and 24-hour access.  Built in 1865, the building is in a quiet conservation area, but is in easy commuting distance from all areas of East Lothian.

For information contact Gavin on 0141 221 2123.