WELCOME

How can we help you today?

We are a charitable organisation dedicated to empowering local residents — especially those facing barriers — with access to culture, education, and community-led change.

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.

Over a decade ago, we began a bold journey to redevelop and preserve this historic site — not only restoring its architectural integrity, but reimagining it as a vibrant, inclusive, low-carbon community hub.

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.

This transformation was not just physical — it represents a shift in purpose: from a space once dedicated to health through swimming, to one that now promotes holistic wellbeing through culture, sustainability, and inclusion.

Our Mission

Our mission is to create a community-driven centre that supports and uplifts all residents of Leith and surrounding areas, regardless of background, income, or beliefs. We work to:

Preserve heritage through innovation, demonstrating how listed buildings can be reimagined as socially and environmentally sustainable spaces.
Advance education and skills development, particularly among those facing disadvantage, through accessible classes, mentoring, and training.
Promote cultural equity by offering low-barrier access to creative spaces, festivals, exhibitions, and performances.
Foster environmental awareness and action, equipping residents with practical tools to build a low-carbon future.
Build resilience and inclusion through volunteerism, wellbeing support, and collaborative programme design.

Everything we do is rooted in a belief that spaces matter — and that when you invest in place, you invest in people.

Our Directors

Our directors specialise in various fields from hospitality, legal matters to IT and have a depth of knowledge and experience in order to achieve centres aim and objectives.

Tika Limbu

Chairman

Manish Khatri

Secretary

peter dipnarine

Treasurer

Bijay Dongol

Board Member

Rajendra Bam

Board member

Rita Gautam

Board member

kamala shrestha

Board member

Shashi Karki

Board member

Your local community centre

Himalayan Centre is now taking booking for venue hire!

Aim & Objectives

· Strengthen Community through education, communication and understanding.

· Provide a Recreational and Training facility to improve the conditions of life for local communities.

· Promoting the advancement of Arts, Heritage and Culture of local communities.

Our Services

Over the years, Himalayan Centre became a core part of the community with various community-led projects from language classes, sustainability projects, culture programs, venue hire and so much more. Click the button below to learn more about our services.

Volunteer

Whether it is learning new skills, helping to build confidence, building CV having the chance to meet new people, or gaining the satisfaction of helping a cause you believe in. Himalayan Centre is here to support you! Click the button below to volunteer with us.

Venue Hire!

Rooted in its Victorian heritage yet oozing a modern luxury, located in the heart of Leith, Himalayan Centre has been renovated into one of Scotland’s premier multi-purpose event spaces. Click the button below to access the gallery and booking page for venue hire

121 Great Jct St, Edinburgh EH6 5JB

info@himalayancentreedin.org

+ (447) 479 383866