Tag: greenspace

New affordable homes planned for Leith

A high-quality, energy efficient development at Coatfield Lane, Leith will deliver much-needed family housing and improved greenspace.

Plans to deliver 49 new affordable homes at Coatfield Lane have been approved, marking a significant step forward in the Council’s ongoing programme to increase the supply of high-quality affordable housing across the city.

The new homes will be delivered on behalf of the Council by CCG (Scotland) Ltd in collaboration with Collective Architecture. The development, designed to meet a range of housing needs will include a mix of 1–4 bedroom flats and family houses and will be located in the heart of the Leith Conservation Area, close to the historic Kirkgate.

The homes will be well insulated and highly energy efficient thanks to a combination of advanced construction methods and the adoption of air source heat pump technology.

In addition to the homes, the project will provide improvements to the existing public realm including greenspaces, rain gardens and biodiverse planting.

Councillor Tim Pogson, the Council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “This approval is a vital step in tackling the housing emergency facing our city. Unfortunately too many people are struggling to find a safe, secure and affordable place to call home and developments like this are a key part of the solution.

“The 49 new homes will not only provide much-needed accommodation for residents, but they do so in a way that is sustainable, inclusive, and community-focused. And, as we build these new homes, we’ll create well designed places that respect the historic character of the area while delivering modern high-quality homes.

“I look forward to seeing work get underway and to welcoming the first residents into a vibrant new part of the community.”

CCG Managing Director David Wylie said: “We are delighted that plans for 49 affordable homes at Coatfield Lane have now been approved.

“Our team has worked collaboratively with the design partners to develop the proposals and realise the Council’s aspirations to deliver what will be a transformative development for the Leith community, and we look forward to commencing construction later this year.”

Collective Architecture said: “We’re delighted that the scheme has received planning approval.

“The new homes are sensitively integrated into the historic Kirkgate setting, sitting comfortably within the existing urban grain and immediately adjacent to the Category A-Listed Linksview House.

“Our proposals enhance the surrounding public realm and prioritise high quality architectural and urban design, incorporating social and environmental needs. This approach ensures meaningful benefits for both new residents and the existing community in Leith.”

Have your say on ‘improvements’ to green space in Easter Drylaw Gardens

THURSDAY 31 JULY from 4.30 – 6pm at DRYLAW NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

Come along to Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre this next Thursday to share your views and ideas for the Easter Drylaw Gardens’ Greenspace!

Planning permission granted for £4m West Pilton Park redevelopment

GREEN LIGHT FOR WEST PILTON PARK REDEVELOPMENT

West Pilton Park will benefit from over £4M of investment for improvements to access, play, wildlife, planting and recreation.

The park will become a destination and attraction for all within the local area and beyond to access good quality greenspace. Funding has been secured to enable the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT) to procure the services of SLR landscape architects to carry out a redesign in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council.

Following consultation with the local community, planning permission has been granted to enable the project to move to the next step of sourcing a contractor to carry out the work which is due to start in 2025.

The project is being managed by ELGT which aims to reinvigorate the public space, encouraging more people to use the park, which in turn will help improve their health and wellbeing. The development of amenities including new play, skate, and bouldering areas has been welcomed by the local community and will offer local residents the opportunity to use the park more for recreation.

A new community growing space will also allow local people and organisations to participate in community growing activities.

Well-designed, well-maintained, and accessible green space can have a positive impact on public health. Encouraging those who do not currently use the park regularly to do so could make a big difference to everyday lives.

The redevelopment will also help to mitigate against climate change, local flooding, and wildlife loss. This will include the creation of a seasonal wetland area, woodland restoration, meadow creation, and the planting of hundreds more trees across the park. This will provide a boost for wildlife and build climate resilience, as well as providing a visually attractive landscape for people to live their daily lives.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker, said: “Following consultation with the local community, I’m very excited that the West Pilton Park development will be taking the next steps towards creating a welcoming green space for the community, in partnership with Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT).

“We are fortunate to have 144 parks and green spaces across the city and 38 Green Flag Awards – so it’s easy to see why we’re considered the UK’s greenest city.

“Our parks have a positive impact on people’s physical and mental health and wellbeing by providing space for exercise, relaxation, social contact with friends and family, and opportunities for children and young people to play.

“I look forward to seeing the space at West Pilton Park take shape for our community and the development of new play areas and growing opportunities for locals and organisations.”

Chief Executive of Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust, Charlie Cumming, said: “I am delighted with the plans to make improvements to West Pilton Park, with thanks to our funders and the City of Edinburgh Council.

“The new amenities will provide an opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents as well as helping them to reclaim the park as a welcoming community space.

“The new play facilities will help meet the needs of the local children now and for future generations and will encourage greater use of the park for local families. The local community were at the centre of the consultation process, and it was their responses that ultimately guided the designs.

“Everyone deserves access to modern amenities and it’s important to have high quality greenspaces that people of all ages can enjoy. It also provides an opportunity to reconnect with nature and help to mitigate against climate change and biodiversity loss.

“It has been great for ELGT to lead on this project so far and we look forward to breaking ground soon and delivering this park for the local community.”

Green Projects Manager, North Edinburgh Arts, Valla Moodie said: “We are looking forward to enjoying the rejuvenated park in West Pilton.

“The plans will create an improved space which will be a welcome addition to the quality greenspace across the community, bringing multiple benefits to local people and to local nature.”

Bright Future for Edinburgh’s parks and green spaces following £900,000 grant

Edinburgh is one of eight urban areas to share in funding worth £11 million to secure the future of the UK’s parks and greenspaces. The capital was one of 81 councils and communities from across the UK to apply for Future Parks funding – and is the only Scottish city to be successful, receiving an award of £899,500.

West Princes Street Gardens

Continue reading Bright Future for Edinburgh’s parks and green spaces following £900,000 grant

‘Many hundreds’ take the Postcode Challenge

challenge2-001Despite distinctly changeable weather ‘many hundreds’ of local cyclists and walkers of all ages and abilities took part in the annual Postcode Challenge on Sunday, embracing the opportunity to explore some of Edinburgh’s 75km of off-road paths and cycleways and pick up some prizes too!

Building on the success of the Postcode Challenge, Edinburgh and Lothians Greeenspace Trust (ELGT) now plans to deliver a programme of activities along the route, designed to raise awareness of this fantastic resource and to help improve the network for all users, including walkers and cyclists, as well as the local wildlife.

Activities will include conservation opportunities, environmental education, and guided walks to explore the local habitats and biodiversity along the routes.

To find out more about the programme and get regular updates, contact the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust:

Telephone 0131 445 4025

Email info@elgt.org.uk and sign up for email updates

Or follow ELGT on Twitter  @greenspacetrust or @innertubemap

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