A former finance centre on Orchard Brae could be converted into 170 flats under plans to be submitted to the council by Queensferry Properties.
The developers have submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) and plan to convert Finance House on Orchard Brae and add a new block to the rear to provide the flats.
The office block, which housed a Lloyds Black Horse call centre, has been lying empty since November 2018.
The site is being acquired by Queensberry Properties, a joint venture between housebuilders Cruden Homes (East) and land and property experts Buccleuch Property.
Queensberry Properties say together the converted building and the new block will create around 170 apartments, 25 per cent of which will be affordable housing.
Parking spaces on the site will be reduced from the 166 used by Lloyds to about 60 spaces, which the developers say will cut traffic flow through neighbouring streets. They have also committed to liaise with the City Car Club to explore the potential for new car club parking spaces on site.
Queensferry Properties held an exhibition of their plans at Orchard Brae House on Queensferry Road on 6 February. Around 150 residents attended the event.
A further exhibition is planned for March 19 when local residents and community organisations will have a further opportunity to view and comment on the proposals. Almost inevitably, traffic issues are likely to feature prominently.
Queensberry Properties director Steven Simpson said: “We’re delighted to have had the opportunity to put forward our proposals to the community and would like to thank all those who attended.
“Getting feedback from them and having their assistance in shaping the development going forward is vital.
“This is an exciting set of proposals to regenerate this derelict building. The site sits on a brownfield site at a time when there is a desperate need for housing, and the city council is looking for a greater focus on development on brownfield sites.
“We welcome all feedback from the community and look forward to ongoing engagement.”
The full description of the proposed development is:
‘Part demolition and conversion of existing building and erection of new development for residential accommodation with associated business, commercial, leisure, ancillary uses, public realm, hard and soft landscaping, access arrangements, parking and infrastructure’.
22
0
20
