Bruntsfield House outdoor gym transformed thanks to Balfour Beatty support

An outdoor gym at Hillcrest Futures’ Bruntsfield House in Edinburgh has been given a new lease of life thanks to the support of construction company Balfour Beatty.

The gym, which is used by people living at Bruntsfield House, had become overgrown and difficult to access after years without a permanent surface being installed. Weeds had taken over the area, making the fitness equipment largely unusable.

Bruntsfield House provides supported accommodation for people who have experienced homelessness, helping them to build independent lives through practical and emotional support in a safe and stable environment. The service currently supports 20 people, and physical activity plays an important role in supporting their health and wellbeing.

Looking to improve the outdoor gym area and make it more accessible for residents, Hillcrest Futures explored opportunities for external support. Following discussions with Balfour Beatty, the company agreed to carry out the work through its volunteering programme.

The transformation was completed in May and involved more than 200 hours of volunteering from the Balfour Beatty project team. The total social value of the work carried out was calculated at £5,567.77.

The resurfaced area has made the outdoor gym fully accessible once again, creating a welcoming space where supported individuals can exercise, spend time outdoors and improve their physical wellbeing.

Stewart Gow, Service Manager at Bruntsfield House, said: “The transformation of the outdoor gym has made a huge difference. What was once an overgrown and inaccessible space is now a safe, welcoming area that residents can enjoy and benefit from.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone at Balfour Beatty who gave their time and expertise to make this happen. The impact this will have on the people we support is significant.”

Eliza Butter, Graduate Social Impact Coordinator at Balfour Beatty, said: “The Balfour Beatty team was genuinely pleased to support the outdoor gym project at Bruntsfield House. Seeing a valued outdoor space transformed into something safer, more accessible and better suited to residents’ needs is exactly the kind of legacy we want to leave behind.

“The fantastic work being done by Hillcrest Futures helps people build confidence, independence and wellbeing, and we’re proud to have played a small part in supporting that journey. A big thank you also goes to Keyline for their generosity in donating materials for the project. It was a real team effort and a great example of what can happen when organisations come together to support their local community.”

Commenting on the transformation, a person supported by Bruntsfield House said: “The new gym equipment has really helped with recovering from my injury. Body weight exercises have helped me build back strength at my own pace, and I am noticing a big difference. The gym is fresh and welcoming since it was renovated, it is a great place to come and clear my head. I really enjoy spending time there in the sun.”

The project highlights the positive impact that partnership working can have in improving facilities and creating better opportunities for the people supported by Hillcrest Futures.