Artisan Real Estate has started construction on the much-heralded Rowanbank Gardens new homes development in Corstorphine, marking a significant step forward in meeting the capital’s ambitious targets for low carbon housing.
Piling has now begun on site, following the granting of planning approval for 126 energy efficient homes by The City of Edinburgh Council in December 2020, with Artisan set to benchmark new standards in sustainable homes development on a site of a former care home.
Rowanbank Gardens industry-leading design is geared to achieving low to zero carbon development – as well as creating a more open and landscaped environment to benefit general health and well-being.
It links closely with the City of Edinburgh Council’s ‘Future Edinburgh’ strategy which aims to make the city carbon neutral within the next ten years.
Smart building design has been matched with an innovative approach to placemaking and community – introducing such creative concepts as green roofs, ‘edible’ gardens and green transport plans to sensitive city centre environments
The development is designed around a central courtyard garden providing nearly twice the level of open space recommended by council planning policy, filled with fruit trees and communal planting and growing beds. Apartments are designed for open plan living with large windows giving views of the courtyard and the wider area, while green roofs ensure benefits of surface water retention, insulation and ecology.
Welcoming the start on site, David Westwater, Artisan’s Scottish Regional Manager, said: “We are all excited to start at Rowanbank Gardens, which promises to significantly raises the industry bar on sustainable homes development.
“At its heart is a sustainable design which reflects the demands of modern life, with buildings designed to minimise carbon footprint and maximise daylight. Significant emphasis is placed on the quality of internal space and light to create enjoyable home-working environments, whilst accessible gardens and landscaping promote health and well-being by making nature and well-designed outdoor space integral to the day-to-day living experience.
“The site fits in well with Artisan’s approach of regenerating brownfield sites with good public transport links and is well set to meet the Council’s stated requirement for well designed, high density living whilst providing spacious communal areas and well-established public transport links ensuring low car ownership.
“There are also all-electric charging points for the provided car parking, City Car Club membership and generous secure cycle parking.”
Artisan is perhaps best known in Scotland for large-scale city regeneration projects like the award-winning New Waverley, which has transformed the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town.
The developer is now applying the same values and philosophy which has guided the successful design and execution of New Waverley to its residential developments, setting it apart from other major homebuilders in Scotland.
“Remaining true to our urban regeneration credentials, at the heart of all Artisan’s developments is building a strong sense of place,” adds Clive Wilding, Artisan’s Group Development Director.
“We are specialising in niche urban developments in the most exciting parts of the city centre, creating a high-value premium product for a wide range of homebuyers, including young professionals, families and downsizers.
“Artisan now has an opportunity in Scotland to set a new benchmark for high quality urban regeneration in sensitive city-centre environments – whether it be commercial, residential or mixed-use.
“Our track record in Edinburgh and in Scotland has given us a strong understanding of the importance of high quality placemaking, which is at the heart of all Artisan’s developments.”
For more information on Artisan’s developments in Scotland and the UK visit:
A second phase of community engagement on plans to introduce Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in two areas of Edinburgh begins today.
Between 8 February and 5 March, the city councill sought the views of residents in Corstorphine, Leith and East Craigs on their travel choices and use of their community spaces for movement and relaxation to help us develop proposals for each area in partnership with the local communities themselves. In total we received around 2200 responses across the three communities.
After the first phase of engagement, there was a clear appetite within Leith and Corstorphine to move forward with more detailed dialogue.
For East Craigs the council will be bringing an additional report on plans for the area to the next Transport and Environment Committee in recognition of the majority of respondents reporting, during our initial engagement in February/March, that traffic levels were not significant on most residential streets.
However, some residents did indicate that there are issues with high traffic volumes on selected streets. We’ll therefore propose to have further discussion on targeted traffic reduction with the East Craigs community at a later date, with a view to bringing proposals back to a future meeting of Transport and Environment Committee.
In Leith and Corstorphine the council is now looking for feedback on initial recommendations to create safer, more comfortable environments for walking, cycling and wheeling, as well as for spending time in local streets and outdoor spaces.
These have been informed by the opinions and ideas shared during the first phase of engagement, as well as traffic data which indicates where there are issues around intrusive traffic.
As part of this second phase of engagement they will be holding co-design-type workshops with community representatives so that the design team can closely explore details in greater depth with the community.
Each of the schemes will be refined following the current period of engagement and brought back to Transport and Environment Committee. If approved, they would be then be introduced on a trial basis via an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) towards the end of 2021.
For Corstorphine, two options have been proposed to improve safety on the High Street, as well as various interventions elsewhere in the area to restrict through traffic, particularly around schools.
The Leith Connections project designs consist of two elements – a high-quality segregated cycle route between the Foot of the Walk and Ocean Terminal, which will be introduced on a permanent basis, and an experimental LTN in the area between Salamander Street, Commercial Street, North and Great Junction Street, Duke Street and the roads around Leith Links.
The LTN designs include restrictions to through traffic and ‘parklets’ to encourage more people to walk, cycle and spend time.
Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “Over the last year we’ve seen the impact that lower traffic volumes and space to walk and cycle can have on our environment.
“As we work to make a sustainable recovery from the pandemic, we’re looking at ways of working together with our communities on designs and proposals that would make neighbourhoods more liveable, easier to move around by active travel and welcoming to spend time in.
“Thanks to thousands of comments on the initial engagement about our plans to introduce Low Traffic Neighbourhoods across the city, as well as traffic monitoring both before and after the pandemic to identify intrusive traffic hotspots, we’ve been able to develop a set of proposals for Leith and Corstorphine that really address the issues facing these neighbourhoods, helping to tackle barriers to walking, cycling and wheeling.
“As we now start the next phase of public engagement on these proposals we’ll be continuing to work closely with the communities in a co-design-style approach which involves residents in each key step of the projects’ development.
“In East Craigs, there was a clear view that for most people there weren’t significant traffic problems on most residential streets, although some residents did report too much traffic on certain streets.
“That’s why we’re currently putting the LTN plans on hold in East Craigs. We’d like to come back to discuss ideas on targeted traffic reduction with the community sometime in the future, but for now, we look forward to working with communities in Corstorphine and Leith to take forward designs there.
Transport and Environment Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran said: “We’ve seen from examples around the world how Low Traffic Neighbourhoods can encourage community interaction and healthy, active travel, and we want to see this happen in Edinburgh.
“Please let us know what you think of the initial plans for Leith and Corstorphine, so we can deliver schemes which work for as many people as possible.”
Key findings from engagement with the public earlier this year include:
Walking was the largest travel mode used by respondents to the survey, with cycling higher than the national average at 9%.
Safety of streets for cycling and safety of streets for walking were the main factors that prevent respondents from making trips by foot or bike within the local area.
51% of respondents think that traffic levels and speeds for children cycling or walking are unsafe or very unsafe.
75% of survey respondents strongly support or support the aim for improving cycling conditions in Leith.
80% of survey respondents strongly support or support the aim for improving walking conditions in Leith.
The most popular local destinations were Ocean Terminal, Leith Walk and Leith Links. Walking was used for the highest proportion of these journeys with between 44-65% of trips and cycling was used on 13-23% of trips.
Speed and volume of traffic on Craigs Road was felt by some in the community to be too high and conditions could be improved for people walking and cycling, however there was also general feedback that most streets in the area were not felt by survey respondents to have high traffic volumes or speeds.
School drop off/pick up times were highlighted as a particular issue on some streets, resulting in higher volumes of traffic and parking.
Alongside this engagement feedback, project teams have collected and assessed traffic data from before and during COVID to help identify streets where intrusive traffic is a problem. This data has generally corresponded closely to the streets that residents have highlighted as having high traffic volumes and speeds.
Traffic operations plans have been developed to help people to plan journeys around their communities by different transport modes. Every residence will remain accessible by motor vehicle.
Engagement on the Leith and Corstorphine proposals will run from TODAY (Friday 4 June) until 4 July, during which time respondents can view and comment on designs. We’ll also be consulting with key stakeholders including community councils, ward councillors, emergency services and mobility and access groups.
The ETRO process for introducing changes, if approved, includes further public consultation on the traffic regulation changes, with the results to be reported back to Transport and Environment Committee in autumn, when a decision would be made about whether to implement the LTNs on a trial basis (for up to 18 months).
ETROs allow us to trial measures, in collaboration with the community and stakeholders, to evaluate their impacts and benefits prior to permanent implementation. During the trial we will be monitoring the impacts of the changes and asking for public feedback.
Measures along the future cycle route from Leith Walk to Ocean Terminal, which will change traffic movement in the area, are proposed to be implemented at the same time as the trial LTN. These relate to a permanent route design and have already been through public engagement.
You’ll be able to find out more and share your views on Leith and Corstorphine proposals from today.
UPDATE: Police have confirmed that 13-year-old Zakiyya Haider has been TRACED safe and well. Police thank the public for their assistance.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Police are appealing for the help of the public to trace a 13 year old girl reported missing from her home in the Corstorphine area of the city.
Zakiyya Haider was last seen around 5pm last night (Friday 21 May) when she left home.
She is described as 5ft 5ins tall, of slim build with long dark hair and brown eyes. When last seen she was wearing all black clothing.
Inspector Keith Forrester said: “Zakiyya’s mum and sister are growing very concerned for her, therefore I would ask anyone who may know where she is to get in touch. Likewise if she sees this appeal please call your family or Police Scotland to let us know you are safe.
“Anyone who has information that may help us find Zakiyya is asked to call Police Scotland quoting incident 4104 of 21 May 2021”.
Community engagement to help develop proposals for Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in three parts of the city has begun. The city council is proposing measures to make it safer and more comfortable to walk, cycle, wheel and spend time in Leith, Corstorphine and East Craigs.
Following public engagement and subject to committee approval the schemes would be introduced under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order. The council says this provides further opportunities for public involvement in refining measures, even once they’re in place:
‘We’re now seeking residents’ views on travel choices and spaces for movement and relaxation in the relevant areas. Feedback will be used to inform design proposals for each of the schemes, which are the first in a potential programme of low traffic neighbourhoods being considered across the city.
‘In Leith, we’re also developing a protected cycle lane between the Foot of the Walk and Ocean Terminal, which will complement the adjacent Trams to Newhaven project, as well as pedestrianizing Sandport Place Bridge and creating a bus-only section at the Shore. We’re seeking people’s views on concept designs as part of the engagement.’
Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “As we look to make a green recovery from the pandemic, it’s important that we get back to work on our long-term plans to support sustainable, active travel and healthy communities, where children can play safely and air pollution is reduced.
“There’s a range of research to show the positive impact LTNs can have on reducing ‘through’ traffic and encouraging people to walk, cycle, wheel and spend time in local areas. We want to bring these benefits to neighbourhoods across Edinburgh and to make sure the changes work for everyone, which is why we want to hear from as many people as possible.”
Transport and Environment Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran said: “We envision a much safer, more relaxing and ‘people-friendly’ Capital, which is why we’re developing LTNs for different communities.
“By introducing them on an experimental basis we want to involve the people that live here in their evolution, and their participation begins now, as we start to develop designs.”
LTNs are initiatives where motor vehicle traffic is significantly reduced in residential streets, limiting the volume of ‘through traffic’ while maintaining vehicle access for people who live there. This creates a safer, more pleasant and inclusive environment for walking, cycling, wheeling and playing, reducing air pollution, encouraging healthy, active travel and opening up space for improvements like pocket parks, seating areas and planting.
Various studies have demonstrated the positive impacts similar schemes introduced elsewhere in the UK have had on communities. In London, research has shown the ‘mini-Holland programme’, introduced in boroughs across the city, saw a trend toward reduced car use and an increase in active travel.
Each of the schemes being put forward for Edinburgh responds to needs and issues specific to the neighbourhoods, including –
Corstorphine: Creating safer routes to school, addressing issues with speed and volume of traffic in residential streets, creating new public spaces and improving cycle routes, including links to the future West Edinburgh Link
East Craigs: Protecting streets from the impact of new developments in the west of Edinburgh, creating safer routes to school, addressing issues with speed and volume of traffic in residential streets and improving cycle routes, including links to the future West Edinburgh Link
Leith: Enhancing and promoting access to public transport, improving cycling provision in the area, addressing issues with traffic volume and speed in residential streets.
The city council says proposals being developed are ‘entirely separate and distinct from any temporary measures being implemented as part of the Spaces for People programme‘.
As part of the engagement process ‘community reference groups’ are being formed of representatives from community and interest groups in each of the areas, offering additional opportunities for residents to feed back. However, this will not supersede the responses gathered as part of the consultation process.
Following community engagement, design proposals will be developed for the three LTNs, which will then be shared for further public engagement.
Designs will then be refined and brought to Transport and Environment Committee in June for approval and permission to start the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO).
Subject to committee approval, following ETRO consultation, changes would be implemented on a trial basis in October.
For the Foot of the Walk to Ocean Terminal active travel improvements, further development of existing designs will follow feedback, with the aim of publishing Traffic Regulation Orders later this year and beginning construction in 2022.
The next steps will be taken toward introducing new Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) to help alleviate parking pressures around Edinburgh, if approved by councillors this week.
On Thursday (28 January), Transport and Environment Committee will consider the results of an informal consultation on proposals for new controls in Leith, Gorgie and Shandon, as well as details on the operation of measures. Designs for parking controls have been amended following consultation and, if approved, we’ll commence the legal processes for introducing them.
This is the first of four phases of implementation of parking controls around the city, developed as part of the Strategic Parking Review, which was originally approved in 2018. The review has taken a holistic approach to parking pressures across Edinburgh, assessing the city on a street by street basis.
This has led to the identification of areas where parking controls may be required to resolve challenges facing residents, in particular from non-residential parking.
The report also updates on timescales for phase two (Roseburn, Corstorphine, Willowbrae and Saughton), phase three (Southside and Fettes) and phase four (Newhaven, Trinity, South Morningside, Portobello, Stenhouse and Saughton), which have been impacted by COVID-19.
Transport Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “This review responds to the concerns of residents across the city, many of whom have told us that they want to see controls introduced to help limit the impact of non-residential parking.
Thanks to an in-depth, citywide analysis we have been able to identify the areas most in need of restrictions. Of course, the way we travel has changed immeasurably over the last year, but the introduction of new CPZs will be extremely beneficial to managing parking pressures when we eventually return to some sense of normality.
Not only do these controls help residents to park near their homes, but they can encourage those travelling into and around the city to consider alternative, sustainable modes of transport.”
The city council began the Strategic Parking Review in 2018 in response to comments from residents, community councils and ward councillors across the city, which demonstrated increasing support for new parking controls to limit non-residential parking.
An in-depth review split the city into five areas, further subdivided into 124 investigation areas, helping to generate heat maps for each location showing relative parking pressures by street. As a result, a series of new parking controls were approved in 2019, to be implemented in four phases.
On Thursday, committee members will also be asked to agree proposals to commence the legal process for introducing limited parking controls in Sighthill Industrial Estate to help manage parking demand there, as well as restrictions on the availability of permits for new or redeveloped properties.
The report details an approach to consultation for future phases in light of COVID restrictions, with virtual drop-in sessions, detailed plans online and opportunities to feed back on proposals via websites, interactive plans and questionnaires.
Consultation on phase two of the Strategic Parking Review is expected to begin in February.
Police are appealing for information after a 17-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in the Corstorphine area.
The incident happened at around 6.40pm on Saturday (7 November). She was walking from the direction of the Tesco Extra store at Corstorphine and turned onto Broomhall Road at a convenience store and hair salon.
She was aware of a man following her along Broomhall Road. As she approached the junction of Broomhall Road and Broomhall Loan, she was approached from behind by the man, who asked her for the time.
He then assaulted her before running off along Broomhall Road towards Meadow Place Road.
He is described as white, around 30 to 40-years-old with short black hair and fair eyebrows. He was wearing a black mask and a black padded jacket.
Detective Sergeant Mark Seymour said: “We are appealing to anyone who was in the area both before and after this incident who may have seen this man or know who he is. In particular we are asking anyone with dash-cam footage or private CCTV that may have picked up anything suspicious to get in touch.
“Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1676 of Sunday, 8 November, 2020, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Proposals for a Low Traffic Neighbourhood in East Craigs will be considered by Transport and Environment Committee this morning (Thursday 1 October).
The temporary measures are being proposed as part of our Spaces for People programme and, following concerns raised by the local community, will be brought to committee for a final decision by councillors.
In response to feedback from residents, the design of the scheme has been amended to ensure that every area in the Low Traffic Neighbourhood can access (entry and/or exit) two of the major distributor roads, Drum Brae, Glasgow Road or Maybury Road.
The council says that by making these amendments, it will alleviate the requirement for right turns across Drum Brae South and Glasgow Road, which have been key concerns of residents. However, it will also ensure that routes used by vehicles to avoid the A8 corridor are closed, particularly during Craigmount High School’s opening and closing times. In addition, it will take traffic away from the West Edinburgh Link north-south cycle route.
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convenor, said: Low Traffic Neighbourhoods allow residents to move around their own areas safely and with more space. They encourage physical activity and reduce through traffic.
“We know through feedback we have received that local people want to see measures improved for walking, wheeling and cycling and this is an opportunity to make this a reality on a temporary basis.
“However, we recognise that a number of people have been opposed to the measures we are looking to implement, so we felt it was right to refer this matter to the Transport and Environment Committee for proper scrutiny by elected members.
“We have listened carefully to local concerns and are proposing a number of changes to address the issues raised by the community. This will make vehicle access easier for local residents while moving ahead with some elements that will bring positive changes for residents. There is also a clear commitment to continue monitoring its effect and to modify it where necessary.
Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convenor, said: “We know that Low Traffic Neighbourhoods reduce emissions and calm traffic due to the number of successful schemes that have already been implemented across the UK.
“Nevertheless, there is local opposition to this scheme and it should be discussed and agreed by the Transport and Environment Committee before we take steps to implement. We will continue to engage with residents and stakeholders regarding this matter and ensure that their voices are heard as we move forward.”
The report will also consider other potential Low Traffic Neighbourhoods across the city, including the Meadows, Leith and the South Corstorphine area.
The East Craigs Low Traffic Neighbourhood involves temporary measures and is not a permanent scheme. Once implemented we will continue to monitor its success and engage with local residents. If a view is taken to make the scheme permanent full consultation with residents would take place.
Low Traffic Neighbourhoods are used in a number of cities to reduce the impact of through motor traffic. They create people-friendly spaces which encourage physical activity and active travel choices while maintaining local access. Our consultation on the West Edinburgh Link (WEL) project showed support for proposals to improve conditions for active travel. We also received a number of suggestions via our Commonplace online tool on how the area could be made safer for residents.
The amended measures for the East Craigs scheme include –
Removing the Craigmount Avenue and Craigs Loan modal filters
Changing the position of the Craigs Gardens modal filter
Changing the North Gyle Terrace filter to No Entry east bound (from Maybury Road)
Altering the Craigs Road bus gate so that it always permits one-way westbound traffic and restricts eastbound traffic at peak times (07:30 – 09:30 and 16:00-18:30)
Self-contained, separately ventilated salons offer a more controlled approach, ensuring an uplift in post-pandemic treatments
According to the National Health and Beauty Federation, the beauty industry has suffered approximately £1.75b in losses since the beginning of the pandemic*.
With government guidelines being relaxed and reintroduced daily, businesses are at a loss to know which services to offer and how to host clients safely. However, the Salon Studios business model offers the perfect solution to post-pandemic pampering for COVID anxious and higher risk categories, as well as those who simply wish to have more control: by reducing their exposure to the masses whilst completely personalising the experience.
A reinvention of the traditional salon ownership, Salon Studios offers self-contained, separately ventilated, move-in ready salons, for self-employed salon professionals who would like to provide a one-to-one service for clients.
This standard has allowed salonpreneurs to get back to work quicker and easier, without the massive overheads, and feel safe in their salon as they operate a one-salon-one-client model. Short leases and low weekly fees have meant an influx of interested parties contacting Salon Studios founder, Roz Colthart, so much so the first location in Corstorphine, Edinburgh, is filled and there is a significant waiting list.
Roz Colthart explained: “When the pandemic hit, we at Salon Studios, like everywhere else, were worried about how this would impact the industry. However, the demand we have witnessed has been completely unprecedented.
“Not only have we had enquiries for new locations from over 20 cities across the country, but we have had so many more enquiries in Edinburgh that we have started looking for another two venues within Edinburgh and Glasgow.
“As a businessperson – and someone who has worked incredibly hard to get this concept off the ground – it is hard for me to turn salonpreneurs away because we currently don’t have the space. But location is key and so until I find the right places to build our next Salon Studios location, those on the waitlist will be offered help via our Salonpreneur website and with tips and tricks from our active social media.”
Continuing to build on the success of not only the Salon Studio physical location, but also the growth of the ‘salonpreneur’ community, Roz Colthart is developing an app that will support people in the business. The app will be used in conjunction with the website which unites self-employed salon professionals, inviting them to share insight amongst each other whilst utilizing tools provided by Salon Studios.
Current salonpreneur and Salon Studios tenant, Tammy, comments on why this all works: “It is the most amazing concept I’ve ever come across and don’t know why anyone hasn’t thought of it before!
“It is so modern, bright and airy. The individually vented rooms are absolutely perfect for the safety guidelines that we have to adhere to during these strange times. I love every part of it, and what makes it even better is the amazing owner Roz! She has been so amazing from the get go! Anything I’ve needed help with, she has been there, and I appreciate every little piece of help I’ve received.”
2021 is set to be a big year with the ongoing growth of the salonpreneur community, as well as search for locations two and three. On top of this Ms Colthart is now set to offer franchising opportunities from her third-year trading, which is almost unheard of, let alone in the midst of a pandemic.
“The way our units are set up promotes luxury, wellbeing and most of all, safety; that is something we can no longer take for granted and has been the driving force in our exponential growth.”
Based in Corstorphine, each salon studio includes water and electricity costs, a PPL music licence, health and safety assessment, fire management program, rubbish collection, high-speed wifi, public area cleaning, CCTV security and 24-hour access as standard.
The impact of poor air quality on children, the elderly and local residents will be explored today as a Holyrood Committee visits one of Scotland’s most polluted streets. The Scottish Parliament’s Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee will visit St John’s Road in Corstorphine as part of its inquiry into air quality.Continue reading Locals who live on one of Scotland’s worst polluted streets meet Holyrood Committee
