Tag: Development

Drum Property Group starts construction at Stead’s Place

Edmond de Rothschild Real Estate Management to Forward Fund First Phase of 110 Build-to-Rent Apartments

Drum Property Group’s ambitious vision for the long-awaited redevelopment of a key site on Leith Walk, Edinburgh, is now to be realised with on-site construction starting in July 2022. 

Drum’s proposals for Stead’s Place, near the foot of Leith Walk, were approved by the City of Edinburgh Council in 2021 heralding a major regeneration of the 2.9-acre site and bringing much-needed investment to this important part of the city. 

The Stead’s Place site has been earmarked for development by the Council since 2008 and consisted largely of an aged industrial estate and office space, together with a two-storey red sandstone building facing directly on to Leith Walk. 

With refurbishment of the red sandstone building nearing completion, Drum has cleared the Stead’s Place site to the rear and, in the first phase of construction, will build 110 high-quality build-to-rent apartments for Edmond de Rothschild Real Estate Investment Management (REIM), who have agreed to forward-fund the development.

The apartments will be completed by spring 2024. The Stead’s Place apartments represent the second Scottish investment for the firm, having forward funded a build-to-rent development of 114 apartments in Finnieston, at Drum’s G3 Square development in December 2021. 

Graeme Bone, Group Managing Director of Drum said: “The start of construction of the new apartments represents another significant step forward in the long-awaited regeneration of the Stead’s Place site. 

“Once completed, the apartments will be a huge boost to the area and to local businesses, bringing life and access to what has been an inhospitable site, and delivering much-needed homes for local people.” 

The Edmond de Rothschild Residential Investment Fund UK, which invests in the private rented sector (PRS) on behalf of European institutional investors, was launched in August 2018 and to date has raised equity commitments of £320m. 

Charlie Miller, co-head of residential in the UK and director of residential transactions at Edmond de Rothschild REIM, said: “Stead’s Place is an excellent opportunity to establish the fund’s first development in Edinburgh and second in Scotland. 

“We will provide high-quality rental accommodation at affordable levels in line with the strategy for the fund. Edinburgh is the sixth most competitive financial centre in Europe, second in the UK behind London and has six universities, a diverse economy and a thriving tourist market – all contributing to exceptionally strong demand for homes to rent”. 

The final phase of construction at Stead’s Place will start at the end of the year, and will comprise of 38 affordable homes, owned and operated by registered social landlord, Hillcrest Homes, completing the attractive landscaped residential scheme linking Leith Walk to Pilrig Park and beyond.  

David Milton, Development Manager at Hillcrest Homes said, “Stead’s Place provides the opportunity to deliver 23 new social-rented homes and 15 mid-rented homes, all of which will be allocated to those in housing need.  

“The Social Rented homes will deliver a good mix of one, two and three bed apartments and we are particularly pleased to be delivering family sized homes in this location.

“There is a continuing unmet demand for affordable homes across Edinburgh and this development will help meet this demand and provide high quality, energy efficient new homes to those who need them the most.” 

The start of construction is the culmination of five years of research, planning and local community engagement by Drum since the company first purchased the site in 2017.  For more information about Drum Property Group’s redevelopment of the Stead’s Place site, visit www.steads-place.com

Fountainbridge plans consultation

Join us for an online information event about a planning application for a major development at Fountainbridge. This exciting project involves the landmark regeneration of a brownfield former brewery site, which is uniquely positioned on the Union Canal in Edinburgh.

The online community event is on Thursday 30 June, between 3pm and 7pm.

The development team, including representatives from Cruden and Buccleuch Property, will be available online to answer your questions and listen to your views through a dedicated chat system https://orbitconsultations.scot/fountainbridge/

The Art Works at Granton: National Galleries launches public consultation

MONDAY 6 JUNE: Exhibition 3 – 7pm at Edinburgh College Granton Campus

TUESDAY 7 JUNE: 5 – 7pm Online Q & A session

Artisan Real Estate’s Rowanbank Gardens nominated for National Climate Crisis Award 

 

Artisan Real Estate’s wholesale commitment to sustainable residential development across the UK has been recognised with its Edinburgh-based Rowanbank Gardens development being nominated for a prestigious national accolade geared to tackling climate crisis.  

Rowanbank Gardens, in the bustling Edinburgh suburb of Corstorphine, has been shortlisted for the best residential Climate Crisis Initiative for the 2022 RESI Awards, which recognises excellence in UK-wide residential property.  

The award nomination reflects Artisan’s continued multi-million investment in fossil-fuel free regeneration-based residential projects in key regional city centres across the UK – with major developments currently taking place in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds and Bristol. 

Due for completion in 2023, Rowanbank Gardens provides immaculate environmental credentials creating a spectacular blueprint for low-carbon living. The industry-leading sustainable development, replacing a former care home on a brownfield site, is set to deliver 126 high quality apartments all with private gardens and balconies set around a shared courtyard garden in a well-connected central location. 

Welcoming the RESI Climate Crisis Initiative award nomination, Clive Wilding, Artisan’s Group Development Director said: “I am absolutely delighted that Rowanbank Gardens has won national recognition for its bold ambition to tackle the very real challenges of climate change which are currently facing our industry.  

“As a niche developer, Artisan Real Estate has always striven for improvement by creating a lower carbon footprint in the homes and buildings we create – not just in delivery but throughout their multi-generational lifespan. 

“Rowanbank Gardens is the latest manifestation of Artisan’s stated commitment towards a radical improvement in its development cycle to create the lowest possible carbon footprint in the residential buildings that the company creates. With innovations such as green roofs, it brings together smart energy-efficient design geared to achieving low to zero carbon ratings whilst responding to the rapidly changing requirements of home buyers and the wider community post-Covid.”

He added: “The evolution of Rowanbank Gardens shows that, as well as reducing urban sprawl by optimising the number of people living in well-designed sustainable homes in well-connected locations served by public transport, we are also pioneering the application of innovative technology to eliminate the use of fossil fuels whilst vastly reducing energy consumption.” 

Fuelled by a desire to transform brownfield city centre sites into sustainable, contemporary and low carbon homes developments, Artisan’s residential developments are creating a progressive residential blueprint which has a timely resonance for post-lockdown living across the UK.  

As well as Rowanbank Gardens, this has also helped shaped the delivery of the 179-apartment Canonmills Garden development, overlooking the Water of Leith to the north of Edinburgh’s city centre which is now nearing completion. 

The development has pioneered the integration of low and zero carbon generating technology, incorporating green roofs as well as a combined heat and power system helping to support building energy loads whilst charging electric vehicles, reducing both building and transport CO2 emissions.  

Artisan is also delivering the Kirkstall Place development in Leeds, providing 263 family homes designed to meet low carbon and non-fossil fuel standards together with substantial amounts of external space, providing a wide range of biodiversity. 

The winners of the 2022 RESI Awards will be revealed on Wednesday 11th May at a live ceremony in London.  

For more information on the awards, visit:

https://www.resiawards.com/resiawardslive/en/page/home 

Newington Residences launch to market this weekend

A selection of four-bedroom townhouses and a three bedroom mews home available in first release at Royal Blind School site

THE FIRST release of homes at the anticipated redevelopment of Edinburgh’s former Royal Blind School and Braille Press will launch to market this weekend (26th of February).

Launching from its existing Cammo Meadows development, Cala Homes (East) has confirmed that the first release of four bedroom townhouses along with a three bedroom mews home – will be available for interested buyers, with prices ranging from £810,000 to £849,995.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s popular Newington area, Newington Residences by Cala Homes (East) will comprise a modern reimagining of the striking original school building into 21 apartments and a further mix of new build townhouses.

Regarded as one of south Edinburgh’s best-known buildings, the original school building dates back to 1874 and has been left vacant since 2014 after pupils were relocated to a new facility.

Cala will take it back to its former glory – removing extensions and outbuildings to revitalise its surrounds.

Building on the success of its award-winning conversion of the nearby former Boroughmuir High School, the developer will refurbish the historic main building into a selection of 21 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with selection of new build townhouses a mews home and the fully refurbished gate house also featuring within the school’s attractive landscaped grounds.

Philip Hogg, Sales Director for CALA Homes (East), said: “This is a really exciting development for us, in one of Edinburgh’s most desirable postcodes.

“There’ll be a great mix of homes likely to appeal to a broad range of discerning buyers looking for high specification finishes and a tranquil location within easy reach of the city centre and the amenities Edinburgh has to offer.

“We believe the attractive renovation at the heart will give the development real character and charm, while preserving a historic local landmark.”

The development, within the Craigmillar Park conservation area has been carefully designed to respect the surrounding area, with new build homes boasting beautiful sandstone detail in keeping with local architecture and facades of the main building.

Townhouses will range from 1600 to more than 2700 square feet, with a mix of semi-detached and terraced properties.

Sporting ceiling heights of up to 3.4 metres and many with views of Edinburgh castle and the city skyline, the apartments will see the creation of modern open-plan homes, maximising the features of the existing building, whilst delivering contemporary design, high specification and convenience with the addition of lift access to upper floors.

The first buyers are planned to move in from summer 2022, with show homes launching in April.

For more information on Newington Residences – and to register your interest – visit: 

https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/edinburgh/newington-residences-edinburgh/

Planning application submitted to ‘kick-start Seafield regeneration’

Developers, Manse (Seafield) LLP and J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC have jointly submitted a planning application for the delivery of an exciting residential development on the site of the former Vauxhall Garage on Seafield Road East.

The proposed redevelopment will act as a catalyst for the overall regeneration of Seafield and see the delivery of up to 220 much-needed new homes, including affordable housing, on a brownfield site currently used as car showrooms.

The application for Planning Permission in Principle (PPiP), has been designed to meet the aspiration of the City Council for the delivery of sustainable new residential development on brownfield sites within the City.

The Seafield area is currently dominated by industrial and car retail operations and the existing Local Development Plan envisages alternative uses, such as residential, to be acceptable in the area.

The City Council’s recently published Proposed City Plan 2030 also sets out a long-term vision for this part of the city as a substantial new urban residential quarter. The Manse and Smart proposals present an ideal opportunity for the early realisation of this vision.

A public consultation event was held in February last year and feedback from this has been incorporated into the emerging proposals and a series of positive pre-application meetings has been held with City Council planning, highways, flood, environmental and landscape officials.

It is expected that, subject to successful determination of the application, redevelopment of the property could begin in 2023 following the relocation of the car showrooms to new purpose-built facilities.

Commenting on this, Colin MacPherson from Manse said: “We are delighted to be bringing forward this planning application for Seafield. It will serve to act as a much-needed catalyst, meeting Council aspirations for the overall regeneration of the area and its desire for residential development on brownfield sites to meet the city’s housing needs.”

Go-ahead for pioneering net zero Waterfront housing development

Proposals for a ground-breaking ‘net zero’ housing development, as part of the £1.3bn Granton Waterfront regeneration project in north west Edinburgh, were granted approval by city planners yesterday.

The Granton D1 project is the first Edinburgh Home Demonstrator (EHD) pilot which will see the construction of 75 net zero carbon homes and three retail units in Granton. The project is led by the City of Edinburgh Council with support from construction and academic partners and is part of the Council ambitions to deliver 20,000 affordable homes by 2027.

The project is being undertaken in partnership with CCG (Scotland) Ltd to test this new business model for building affordable, net zero homes.  A large proportion of the construction will be carried out off site in a factory setting reducing the overall  time it takes to build the homes. The homes will also include  zero emissions heating. This will help to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and support the city’s 2030 net zero target.

The pilot is also supported by a team from Napier University that will analyse the energy performance to validate and inform the net zero carbon strategy for future EHD projects. The EHD project aims to deliver 1,000 affordable net zero carbon homes across the six council areas in the City Region Deal.

With an ambitious target to become a ‘net zero’ city by 2030, both of these developments, alongside the 444-home Western Villages development, will act as a blueprint for future sustainable development and help Scotland to transition towards a greener economy.

Councillor Kate Campbell, Convener for the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee, said: “Making homes more sustainable will help us to meet our net zero targets, but the most important thing is that our tenants will benefit. With the cost of living rising sharply, making the running costs of homes more affordable will help tenants on low incomes, preventing fuel poverty.

“This pilot, and the learning we hope to take from it, is a really important step for us on our journey to making all of our housing stock more energy efficient, and better for tenants to live in. We have incredibly ambitious plans which form the bedrock of our housing strategy over the next ten years.

“There is a critical need for more affordable homes in Edinburgh and we are responding to that through our commitment to deliver 20,000 social and affordable homes by 2027.”

Councillor Mandy Watt, Vice Convener for the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee, said: “The Granton D1 development will provide affordable places to live for everyone with over 60% being for social rent.

“The development is part of  the wider Granton Waterfront regeneration – which includes the creation of one of Europe’ s largest new coastal city parks.

“We hope to provide residents and visitors with the chance to reconnect with the city’s waterfront and taken advantage of the new leisure and outdoor experiences that will be on offer – altogether fostering an environment that will benefit everyone’s health, community spirit and wellbeing.”

Councillor Neil Gardiner, Convener for the Planning Committee, said: “This sustainable development is a great addition to our major regeneration of Granton Waterfront to create a coastal town with lots of green and open space.

“It was good to see the committee unanimously backing the project which will provide the area with much needed affordable net zero homes as well retail units providing businesses opportunities and employment locally.”

Calum Murray, CCG (Scotland) Director and Edinburgh Climate Commissioner, said: “The approval of Granton D1 is another important milestone for the City of Edinburgh Council and CCG.

“By working collaboratively alongside our partners, we are pioneering the delivery of affordable, net zero homes in Scotland and the Council is to be congratulated for taking these necessary first steps in delivery of our country’s net zero carbon ambitions.

“CCG is delighted to be leading the design and build of Granton D1 where we will provide a cutting-edge demonstration in the use of fabric first design and construction technology. We look forward to advancing works on-site in the very near future.”

Construction of Granton D1 is expected to begin in Spring 2022.

The wider Granton Waterfront regeneration project which also includes the refurbishment of the Granton Station building and the Granton Gasholder restoration project which is currently lighting up the skyline in a joint project with Edinburgh College. 

The wider proposals will bring over 3000 additional homes and create one of Europe’ s largest coastal city parks linking Granton Harbour to Cramond and Lauriston Castle, reconnecting the city with its waterfront and provide the opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy spectacular views across the Forth while experiencing enhanced leisure

Planning permission secured for redevelopment of Edinburgh One

  • Permission granted for 88,000 sqft of Grade A offices in Edinburgh city centre
  • Joint agents JLL and Dobson Scotland support Edinburgh-based developers on new project
  • The development is set to be the Capital’s first targeted net zero office scheme

Odysseus Capital Management has secured planning permission for the redevelopment of Edinburgh One, 60 Morrison Street.

The Edinburgh-based developers and asset managers will deliver the 88,000 sqft Grade A offices over seven floors in what was the former Scottish Widows Investment Partnership’s headquarters.

The building, which is due for completion by the third quarter of 2023, is anticipated to be the first targeted net zero carbon office scheme in Edinburgh city centre.

Richard Edlmann, managing director of Odysseus Capital Management, said: “We are excited to be delivering this exemplar development, which will be one of the first post-COP 26 designed office buildings in Edinburgh city centre.

“Architect CDA’s design creates a new generous double height reception, while adding two further floors and a unique roof terrace with stunning views of the Castle. Edinburgh One is targeted to be net zero carbon, incorporating significant carbon embodiment along with core principles of Circular Development.”

JLL and Dobson Scotland are the joint letting agents on the redevelopment of Edinburgh One, while Montagu Evans advised Odysseus on planning.

Cameron Stott, lead director at JLL in Edinburgh, said: “Edinburgh One will be delivered at a time when there’s a predicted critical shortage of grade A offices in the city centre.

“The design and specification of the redevelopment has been future proofed to attract corporate and public sector organisations that have ambitious targets to become net zero by 2030. We believe Edinburgh One will attract financial, corporate and technology companies who value sustainability as part of their agenda.”

Keith Dobson, managing director of Dobson Scotland, added: “Odysseus is targeting the highest ESG credentials including BREEAM Excellent and EPC A whilst achieving a net zero carbon building in operation through utilising fully electric power.”

Tarmac’s development plans for Ratho Cement Works unveiled

The public is to be given the opportunity to view proposals by Tarmac for an exciting residential-led mixed-use development on land including the former Cement Works to the west of Baird Road, Ratho.   

The Bairdview development, if approved, will deliver an ambitious residential neighbourhood and sustainable extension to the village. The fully integrated neighbourhood will provide a new and attractive entrance to Ratho and afford the potential to provide enhanced community and commercial facilities.  

Proposals for the 56-acre site will deliver circa 300 homes, including family, market, and affordable housing, with a range of tenures, house types and densities built to the highest environmental standards. This will serve to address housing pressures in the village and West Edinburgh over the next 10 years.   

A 60-bed care home and retirement housing for the village are also outlined in the proposals.   

Tarmac intends to bring forward a Planning Permission in Principle (PPP) application, establishing the principle of development on the partially brownfield site for the mixed-use development. It believes that the environmental impact can be mitigated and that the wider social and economic benefits would be significant.    

Delivering a high-quality, low carbon sustainable development at Bairdview will re-balance the village to the north of the Union Canal with local amenities, a green network of parks and woodland and a central hub of enhanced community facilities. The proposals have specifically been aligned with the new City Plan 2030.   

Supporting the delivery of business, retail, and leisure development in the village, the development would also provide scope for the expansion of Ratho Primary School and public realm, landscape and active travel improvements at the northern gateway to the village.   

Proposals will also improve transport infrastructure and connections with the A8 and A71, including more effective public transport bus services. It will also aim to deliver improved footpath linkages, including safe routes to the primary school.   

The development has also been designed as “20-minute neighbourhoods”. These are places that are designed so residents can meet their day-to-day needs within a 20-minute walk of their home; through access to safe walking and cycling routes, or by public transport.

Development at Bairdview will assist in reducing the need for car journeys and reducing the carbon footprint in line with the City’s zero-carbon strategy response to the climate crisis.    

Development proposed is within acceptable walking distance of local facilities, walking distance to any employment cluster and bus and cycle routes. Provision is made for public transport and the National Cycle Route also lies near the site. 

Consultations have been ongoing with Ratho Community Council and local stakeholder groups for this unique investment proposition. Tarmac wish to bring forward a wider Place Plan for Ratho and has indicated that the community could receive a share of any land capture uplift from the development in the form of a unilateral obligation.       

Due to ongoing developments surrounding the COVID-19 virus and social-distancing measures, the Scottish Government has issued guidance encouraging developers to use online or digital engagement methods whilst public gatherings are prohibited.

On Wednesday, 1 December 2021, between 4 pm and 8 pm, the development team will be available at www.bairdview.scot to answer your questions through a dedicated chat system as part of the digital consultation.    

This will enable visitors to communicate directly with the design and advisory team and for them to answer any questions.   

Visitors who do not have online access to hard copies of exhibition materials can request them from hello@bairdview.scot or contact Orbit Communications on 0131 202 3259 or at 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JE.    

Proposals are available to view online now.    

A representative for Tarmac said:  “We’re excited to be giving the local public the chance to view exciting proposals for Bairdview.   

“The development would bring significant environmental, social and economic benefits to the local community for existing and future generations in the medium to long term.    

“These proposals will greatly assist in the regeneration and expansion of this part of the city, and we are consulting extensively to ensure that people from across the local area have an opportunity to input their views and shape our ambitious proposals.    

“We encourage all interested parties to speak to the team on 1 December and to put any questions you have to them.”  

HUB and Bridges acquire Baltic Street site for build-to-rent residential development

Residential developer HUB and Bridges Fund Management, a sustainable and impact investor, have acquired a ‘significant’ 2.6-acre site on Leith’s Baltic Street.

Located at the former site of Leith Gas Works, the site is one of the most significant in the area, sitting at a key point in the historic town centre, which was last week named the 4th coolest neighbourhood in the world by TimeOut.

The site has an existing planning permission for a student residential development, secured by vendors Sundial Properties and local architects Michael Laird Associates.

HUB intends to reconfigure the proposal to deliver a residential-led scheme, comprising of Build to Rent apartments with a variety of mixed commercial uses at ground floor level.

HUB will work with the Council and local stakeholders to build upon the existing consent, maintaining the established design narrative, whilst enhancing the proposals to deliver a residential scheme that maximises the site’s potential.

This is the ninth deal on which HUB and Bridges have partnered and builds on their successful track record of delivering well-designed, community-focused residential schemes.

The deal is HUB and Bridges’ second acquisition in Edinburgh, following their recent purchase of the 1.5-acre Beaverhall site in Canonmills, where they are currently developing plans for a mixed-use scheme incorporating build-to-rent homes and affordable, contemporary studio space for the area’s local artistic community.

The deal also continues HUB’s expansion into key cities across the UK, with schemes already underway in Leeds and Digbeth, Birmingham.

Building on HUB and Bridges’ strategy of delivering homes in well-connected locations, the site is ideally located adjacent to Edinburgh’s new Tramline extension, due to open in late 2022.

The new route will connect the port in the east, through the city and to the airport in the west, meaning that residents at HUB’s scheme will have easy access to the heart of Edinburgh and beyond, whilst enjoying the lifestyle offering of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhood.

Just five minutes’ walk from the waterfront, the site offers easy access to numerous independent shops, bars and restaurants, as well as music and arts venues.

Robert Sloss, CEO and co-founder of HUB, said: “As a resident of Edinburgh, I am particularly happy that HUB is further investing in our capital city.

“Leith is full of creativity and innovation, and exemplifies exactly what HUB is looking for in terms of ‘lifestyle’ locations. We look forward to bringing our proven experience in delivering beautifully designed, mixed-use schemes to this fantastic site, building upon the existing proposal to deliver a great new place to live.

“We are sensitive to the legacy of the historic gasworks and are excited to rejuvenate it into a modern living quarter for Leith.”

Simon Ringer, Head of Property Funds at Bridges Fund Management, said: “We are delighted to complete this second investment in Edinburgh, a city where there is strong demand for more high-quality, sustainable lower-cost homes.

“Leith is a really exciting area, and we want to create a development that complements this site’s rich heritage and benefits the local community.”