The University of Edinburgh has committed to extending its Community Access to Rooms scheme for another five years, as part of the new Community Plan 2025–30. Community Access to Rooms offers local community groups and organisations the opportunity to use University rooms free-of-charge during evenings and weekends. Community groups supporting refugees, reading groups and performing arts organisations will continue to use these spaces, helping local communities to thrive during challenging times. Performing arts group The EdinBards use University rooms as a practice theatre space. A simple idea with big impactLaunched in late 2022, the scheme emerged after the University noted an increase in requests from local communities to use spaces on campus. After a successful pilot offering rooms for community use when they weren't needed for teaching or research, the scheme became business-as-usual, offering a range of spaces from small meeting rooms to spacious lecture theatres across four city-centre locations.The scheme started as a simple offer of free rooms, but it has become an important way of supporting the community. Since it began, it has provided:Over 7,200 hours of community use of University spacesMore than £530,000 in in-kind value contributed (based on the equivalent cost to hire a nearby commercial space)At least £55,000 in savings to local community groups (compared with nearby community centre hire rates)Support to over 180 different community groups. More than financial savingsWhile the initial expectation was that the scheme would primarily save groups money, its impact has been far broader. The Welcoming is a Scottish charity dedicated to supporting asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in Edinburgh. They use University rooms to provide English language classes for New Scots. A recent survey found that more than 90% of respondents valued the financial relief provided, with one user noting:It has been great to have a space where we can meet that is quiet and free. Our budgets have been cut recently so we are grateful to have an opportunity to host meetings that don't affect our budget.Others highlighted how access to University rooms has reduced isolation and strengthened community bonds, with 53% of groups reporting improved social connection:It has meant that I’ve been able to take part in social groups activities in a safe space which I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.Not all of us would be able to afford meeting at a café or pub regularly, so this makes it accessible.This reflects wider evidence, including University research, that in-person connection boosts mental wellbeing, directly supporting the new Community Plan’s Thriving Communities priority. Supporting local arts and cultureAround 30% of bookings are for music and theatre rehearsals, often by smaller, amateur groups with limited resources. The scheme has enabled grassroots performing arts to flourish:The Community Access scheme has been a truly positive game-changer for those of us in local theatre; it’s given us the ability to commit to a regular rehearsal schedule without the impossible struggle to secure funding first. Edinburgh-based Kiwi theatre company Half Trick used University rooms to prepare for their 2025 Edinburgh Fringe performance. Leading the way in higher educationThe University of Edinburgh is the first UK university to offer community access to space at this scale and with this level of transparency. The scheme has attracted interest from other universities, with Edinburgh sharing its learning to inspire similar initiatives elsewhere.Looking aheadAs the Community Plan 2025–30 takes effect, the University is keeping its promise to run the Community Access to Rooms scheme. By offering local groups friendly, accessible spaces, the University hopes to build stronger connections and support a thriving, welcoming city.Local groups wishing to apply for space can visit: https://local.ed.ac.uk/community-rooms Related LinksCommunity Access to RoomsFree to flourish: Community groups thrive in University spaces | Edinburgh ImpactCommunity Plan 2025-30 Publication date 06 Oct, 2025
