New images reveal future of Army HQ renovation

Major refurbishment of vast site shows large plots and modernised homes 

THE FIRST visuals revealing the future of 78 former army homes on Edinburgh’s outskirts have been released, giving interested buyers a taste of what to expect.

Created using a combination of photographic and overlayed computer-generated imagery, the visuals give an indication of how the homes and public space at Craigiehall Meadows will look on completion.

Once a community of military families serving the British Army’s Scottish Headquarters at Craigiehall, each of the 78 homes will be completely refurbished and brought up to modern standards.

The images also demonstrate the development’s large, mature plots, as well as the abundance of greenery across the tree-lined site.

Tzana Webster, Head of Estate Agency with Ralph Sayer, which is managing the sales and marketing for the site has revealed very high early interest in the development.

She said: “My first impression on seeing the CGIs was – wow. These are going to become exceptional homes with large front and back gardens, which is rare across Edinburgh – especially compared to new build developments on the market.

“This will be a perfect base for those who want the outdoors life but within easy reach of the city and it’s great to show those interested, whether buyers or people with a connection to the location, what is coming down the line.

“Interest has been high, including from people who used to live here while it served families from the armed forces. This is an amazing location, and a lot of people have a connection with it.”

Craigiehall Meadows is set in an expansive, tree-lined location linking the River Almond with the 800-acre Dalmeny Estate. It is next to Edinburgh’s prime neighbourhoods of Barnton, Cramond and Cammo. 

The homes on offer will include a mix of detached, and semi-detached properties all with modern finishes and amenities.

The history of Craigiehall dates to the 17th century when it existed as a country house and estate before it was requisitioned by the Armed Forces in 1939.

It became the Scottish Army HQ in 1951 and operated as the Craigiehall camp from 1955, housing notable regiments until the base was announced for closure in 2011 as part of the Defence Basing Review.

Mature planting and adjacence to farmland give the location a rural feel, however, there is outstanding connectivity to the city, motorway network and Edinburgh Airport.

Enabling works are now underway, with homes becoming available to the market during the refurbishment process.

Those interested in the development can register their interest here – https://www.craigiehall-meadows.co.uk/

Cutting sods at Silverlea: Work begins on former care home site

Council Leader Cammy Day was joined by Fraser Lynes, Managing Director of Cruden and architects Smith Scott Mullan as work got underway on the development of143 energy efficient social and mid-market rent properties.

In partnership with Cruden, the project will deliver a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes across the site, including wheelchair accessible accommodation.

Work will include upgrades to greenspace and the main footpath linking Salveson Cresent and Marine Drive to create safer, easier access to the shorelines. Plans also include a new Pavilion for Craigroyston Community Football club.

The development is part of the £1.3 billion Granton Waterfront regeneration which will create a new residential-led mixed-use community and will deliver around 3,500 net zero carbon homes, a primary school, a health centre, commercial and cultural space, and a new coastal park.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: It was great to attend the sod-cutting ceremony at the Silverlea site today as we marked the beginning of construction on this exciting development here in Edinburgh.

“We’re facing a Housing Emergency so we must continue to build more affordable housing to address our chronic shortage.

“To deliver our net zero targets for the Capital, sustainable regeneration is so important, and every element of this development has been designed with that in mind. I’m delighted that plans also include a new Pavillion for Craigroyston Community Football Club which will be a real asset to the community.

“The project forms part of the wider £1.3bn regeneration of the Granton area where we’re unlocking brownfield land to build a new sustainable 20-minute neighbourhood. We’re continuing to work hard to ensure Granton is somewhere residents will be proud to live and I look forward to seeing progress continue throughout this year.”

Fraser Lynes, MD of Cruden, added: “Silverlea is a great example of development with sustainability and community at its heart, and we are thrilled to be involved in the delivery of this transformational project.

“The City of Edinburgh Council must be commended in bringing forward these much needed social and mid-market homes amid the capital’s housing emergency, and for specifying them to net zero carbon standards, making them greener, cleaner and more efficient to heat and run.  

“During this development, we’re looking forward to providing the new pavilion for Craigroyston Boys Club, carefully re-using the Griffens from the historic Muirhouse Mansion, as well as delivering an important programme of new tree planting and a wildflower meadow to enhance local greenspace.”

The progress is the latest in the Granton Waterfront regeneration with work already well underway on several other projects in the area.

Over 400 net zero homes at Western Villages as well as 75 net zero homes at ‘Granton D1’ are currently under construction.

New Midlothian community thriving with ten new households settled in

A new community is taking shape at the new Lovell housing development Oakwood Edge in Mayfield, with ten households, including many families, having now moved in.

The very first buyers to move to Oakwood Edge were Leah and Andrew Christie, a married couple with two young children aged 1 and 3 years old. The couple decided to move after their family expanded with the arrival of their second child, and they outgrew their previous house.

The couple from Midlothian moved into their 3-bedroom semi-detached Carnoustie housetype this summer, and the deciding factor was the 5% deposit that Lovell offered towards the house.

The new development of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes has spectacular views across to Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh and beyond to the Firth of Forth. It allows residents the opportunity to easily explore the nearby rugged peaks of the Pentland Hills.

Leah said: “It’s right on the cusp of beautiful countryside. You could walk for miles and miles. The views over Edinburgh, the Pentland hills, and Fife are stunning, and you see some amazing skies at night.”

The Carnoustie housetype has lots of storage space and a spacious lounge, where double doors connect to the bright dining space.

Leah said: “Lovell has really thought about storage and layout, which are so important to a young family. We love our kitchen; it’s the centre of our home and where we spend most of our time.

“It’s great to be able to eat and cook while still having the kids within sight in the living room. We also really love our en suite bathroom. It’s amazing having one especially when you have kids. It’s our little adult escape.”

Oakwood Edge is just ten miles from Edinburgh City Centre on the outskirts of Dalkeith, home to an array of bars, restaurants, cafes and shops. Nearby the development, there are two primary schools and a high school.

Find out more about the homes available by visiting: www.lovell.co.uk2

Stunning transformation of army HQ properties to begin

Historic site to see 78 newly refurbished homes hit the market

AN EXCITING refurbishment of 78 former army HQ homes in one of Edinburgh’s most sought-after areas is due to start.

The houses, once home to military families, will now be renovated into quality starter homes and family residences, nestled within the scenic surroundings of the northwest fringe of Edinburgh.

Renamed Craigiehall Meadows, the enclave is set in a prime semi-rural location, adjacent to desirable areas such as Cammo, Cramond and Dalmeny and nestled against the River Almond where Salmon fishing permits are readily available.

Tzana Webster, Head of Estate Agency at Ralph Sayer, said: “Craigiehall Meadows will be a significant addition to Edinburgh’s residential offerings, bringing beautifully refurbished homes to market with high spec finishings that anyone would dream to have in their home.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to be working at such a historic site and upon completion this will be an incredible location to live in.

“Work is due to start in the coming months and homes will be available to the market during the refurbishment process.

The homes on offer will feature a mix of detached, semi-detached, and terraced, each designed to offer convivial living areas and high-quality finishes.

Within the development, Hillside Road promises to offer great value refurbished starter homes as a blank canvas, perfect for first-time buyers and buy-to-rent owners to make their mark, while the Riverside and Primrose areas will offer large family homes with spacious gardens and high-quality finishes.

Tzana added: “Our hope for Craigiehall Meadows is to create a welcoming community for all stages of life.

“Whether you’re a first-time buyer, growing your family, or seeking a smaller, more manageable space, Craigiehall Meadows will offer something for everyone.

“This is an incredibly exciting project to be a part of and by the time the refurbishment phase is over, and we are starting to bring homes to market, this will be a site re-imagined and transformed.”

Originally requisitioned by the Armed Forces in 1939, Craigiehall has a rich history, including the negotiation and signing of the surrender of German forces in Norway in 1945.

The Ministry of Defence acquired the site in 1951, and it became the Headquarters for the Army in Scotland, marking its significance in military history.

Major developments in 1955 saw the establishment of permanent buildings at Craigiehall, replacing the temporary structures from World War II.

The former Army headquarters, Craigiehall Camp, operated from 1955 until 2014 and housed notable regiments, including The Black Watch, and became the HQ of the 2nd Infantry Division in 2000.

The base was announced for closure in 2011 as part of the Defence Basing Review, with the Army HQ in Scotland merging with the 51st Brigade at Forthside Barracks in Stirling.

Craigiehall Meadows will offer residents a unique combination of historical charm and modern convenience, set within a picturesque environment.

Those interested in the development can register their interest here –

 https://www.craigiehall-meadows.co.uk/

Second Phase of luxury apartments introduced at West Craigs Green

A collection of eight luxury apartments has been released by the award-winning Scottish housebuilder, Cruden Homes, at the highly sought-after West Craigs Green development in the heart of West Edinburgh.

This exclusive collection offers a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, all with stunning views of the nearby Lennie Park and Turnhouse golf course. The two-bedroom units feature private balconies, providing an ideal spot to enjoy the breathtaking sunset views.

With prices starting from £220,000, each apartment boasts an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area, designed with both comfort and style in mind. High-quality fixtures and fittings are included as standard. This release marks the second phase of apartments within the development, following the successful launch of the first phase in early April 2024, which saw strong levels of demand.

In addition to the new apartments, the West Craigs development includes a range of three-bedroom terraced and semi-detached houses, and four-bedroom townhouses, each with private gardens.

The West Craigs area is undergoing significant transformation, evolving into a vibrant and friendly neighbourhood with abundant green spaces, including the newly established Lennie and Meadowfield Parks. Future plans include a new primary school and nursery, café, and health centre within walking distance.

Conveniently situated between Barnton and South Gyle, West Craigs Green is just five miles from Edinburgh city centre. It benefits from excellent transport links, including cycle routes, bus, rail, and tram stops in close proximity.

The Gyle Shopping Centre is easily accessible on foot or by car, offering a range of amenities such as high street shops, a supermarket, and eateries.

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director at Cruden Homes, said: “West Craigs Green is a vibrant, community-focused development, and is perfectly located for those who wish to live in more scenic surroundings with all the benefits of staying close to the city centre. 

“Many of these spacious apartments have balconies providing scenic views of Lennie Park and Turnhouse golf course. We had a great response to the first phase of apartments and it highlights the strong demand for quality housing in this area.

“This new release of apartments further enhances this wonderful development, making it an excellent choice for first-time buyers, young professionals, and those looking to downsize.”

A number of incentives are available for home buyers looking to move into West Craigs Green, including part exchange and assisted move packages, along with Land and Buildings Transaction Tax support, furniture packages and flooring. 

Prices for the latest release of apartments range from £220,000, with first completions expected in November 2024.

To view or find out more about reserving a property at Cruden Homes’ latest West Craigs Green development, visit www.westcraigsgreen.co.uk or call 0131 600 0095.

The sales and marketing suite, along with the show home, are open Thursday to Monday, 10:30 am – 5:30 pm.

Planning granted for £31m housing development in Tranent

Avant Homes Scotland will deliver 92 new homes in Tranent after being granted planning permission for a £31m residential development.

Called Thistle Meadows and located off South Glynn Walk, the development will comprise a mix of three-, four- and five-bedroom family homes.

It will feature 10 of Avant Homes’ practically designed, energy-efficient house types including semi-detached and detached homes. Prices for the properties are to be released at a later date.

Work at Thistle Meadows is scheduled to start this month. It is anticipated that the first properties will be released for sale in June and the first residents will move into their new homes in February 2025.

Avant Homes Scotland managing director, Jim Wilkinson, said: “As a business, we are committed to providing quality new homes for everyone in locations where people want to live.

“We now look forward to starting work on Thistle Meadows to provide local residents and people wanting to move to Tranent with a range of practically designed, energy-efficient homes at various price points.

“We have great mix of properties that will appeal to everyone from first-time buyers to second-steppers, families and downsizers.

“This is demonstrated by the significant number of sales enquiries we already have for Thistle Meadows and, now that we have been granted planning, we expect this demand to increase further.”

For more information on the development, search ‘Avant Homes Thistle Meadows’.

Avant Homes acquires Tranent site to deliver £31m, 92 home development

Avant Homes Scotland has acquired a 9.25-acre site in Tranent to deliver a £31m, 92 new home development.

Called Thistle Meadows and located off Winton Court in the town, the development will comprise a mix of three-, four- and five-bedroom family homes.

It will feature 10 of Avant Homes’ practically designed, energy-efficient house types including semi-detached and detached homes. Prices for the individual properties will be released once planning is granted.

Thistle Meadows will form part of the Windygoul South Masterplan. This includes the expansion of the Windygoul primary and secondary school campus, as well as improvements and upgrades to the local allotment areas, footpath networks, sports pitches and transport network.

Subject to planning, work will start at Thistle Meadows in May this year and it is anticipated the first homes will be released for sale in June. A show home is scheduled to open in November and the first residents are scheduled to move into their new homes in early 2025.

Avant Homes Scotland managing director, Jim Wilkinson, said: “Our Thistle Meadows site acquisition represents an exciting opportunity for us to expand our development footprint into Tranent.

“As a housebuilder, we want to build quality new homes for everyone and this site is an ideal location for us to deliver our range of practically designed, energy-efficient homes in a place people want to live.

“We look forward to East Lothian Council considering our plans to deliver a new and thriving community within the town.”

Edinburgh-based Avant Homes Scotland currently has nine live developments. These range from Craigowl Law in Dundee to Draffen Park in Stewarton.

Avant Homes Scotland is part of the Avant Homes Group, whose house types are ideal for the private, rented, and affordable sectors. The company operates across Scotland, the north of England and Midlands from eight regional operating businesses.

At present, Avant Homes Group employs more than 600 people. The housebuilder’s ambition is to develop its multi-tenure business further across its existing regions and beyond, creating communities as well as providing employment opportunities.

Avant Homes Group is also committed to its environmental, social and governance (ESG) responsibilities in line with its vision to construct and sell “quality homes, for everyone”.

The housebuilder’s ESG strategy recognises its obligations to all stakeholders to deliver a sustainable future. Avant Homes’ house types are significantly more energy efficient compared to existing housing stock and appeal to a wide range of customers with different affordability requirements.

Each of Avant Homes’ developments provides a safe place for employees and sub-contractors to work as well supporting its supply chain. The housebuilder creates communities in places where people want to live.

Avant Homes is committed to securing sustainable growth through private for sale, PRS and additional affordable housing.

This better serves customers and communities, particularly where the cost of living has increased and affordability is stretched.

Avant Homes has invested in the internal expertise to develop and deliver strategic relationships with PRS investors as well as affordable housing providers.

The Group recently announced the sale of 306 new homes across eight developments to a leading private rented housing provider, Sigma Capital Group, for over £59.5m.

Four of the developments are in north east England, two in Yorkshire with the balance in the East Midlands. This significant PRS transaction demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver a significant volume of quality new homes to a major PRS investor. 

For the year ended 30 June 2023, the Avant Homes Group delivered 1,766 completions.

For further information visit www.avanthomes.co.uk

New homes announced at ‘hidden gem in East Lothian’s crown’

Home buyers who missed out on new homes at a unique and award winning village development in East Lothian will be pleased to hear that a further 102 new properties are now underway by Cruden Homes at Longniddry Village.

This exceptional new development carefully blends traditional village design, with all the benefits of modern and flexible living.   

East Lothian regularly tops the polls as one of best places to live in the UK. This family-friendly development, nestled in the close-knit village of Longniddry, offers fantastic tranquil scenery, just 30 minutes from Edinburgh’s popular city centre, and a short drive from some of Scotland’s most popular coastal towns and villages.

Homeowners also have access to superb amenities, with an abundance of golden beaches, a local primary school, a sports centre and golf clubs located nearby.

Longniddry Village won the prized ‘Development of the Year’ title at the industry-leading Herald Property Awards in late 2023.

The highly sustainable development has been praised as ‘one of the best examples of new housing ever seen’, pairing period features and original architecture with the flexibility, function and style demanded for modern living. 

The overarching vision and approach for Longniddry Village was developed in partnership with landowner Wemyss and March Estates with master developer, Socially Conscious Capital.   

Cruden’s second phase of 102 new homes for sale will cater for a range of homeowners, including first time buyers, growing families and downsizers.

Together with one- and two-bedroom flats, there will be a range of spacious two, three, four and five-bedroom homes with house types including bungalows, terraced, semi-detached and detached homes.

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “East Lothian is an extremely sought-after area to live and Longniddry Village is the hidden gem in its crown. 

When home buyers quickly flocked to buy the first phase of new homes here, many missed out, so we are delighted to announce a further 102 homes for sale.

“Longniddry ticks all the boxes for today’s homebuyer with its stunning coastal location, village setting and easy access to the Capital. Longniddry Village is now firmly at the heart of the Longniddry community and we’re delighted to support the area’s growing population with more of these exceptional new properties.”  

Prices for the first release of properties will be announced at the Phase 2 sales launch at the end of April, however prospective buyers are encouraged to register their interest now to receive an invitation to an exclusive preview event ahead of the public launch.

https://www.crudengroup.co.uk/homes/developments/longniddry-village-phase-2

Housebuilder launches new luxury apartments in growing West Edinburgh community

Award-winning housebuilder, Cruden Homes, has announced the release of luxury 1-and-2 bedroom apartments at its popular West Craigs Green development in the heart of west Edinburgh. 

Many plots come complete with generous balconies and stunning views over green open space, creating the perfect spot to unwind. Prices in the latest release of apartments range from £220,000 to £293,500, with first completions expected in Autumn 2024.

The new development has seen high levels of demand and the new apartments add to a range of 3 bedroom terraced and semi-detached houses and 4-bedroom townhouses, each with their own private gardens. 

The West Craigs area is undergoing exceptional transformation and offers a growing and friendly neighbourhood with an abundance of green space, including the brand-new Lennie and Meadowfield Parks. There are also plans for a new primary school, cafe and health centre, all within walking distance. 

Ideally located between Barnton and South Gyle, West Craigs Green is just five miles from Edinburgh’s city centre and benefits from excellent transport links, including cycle routes, bus, rail and tram stops within close proximity.

The Gyle shopping centre offers a range of amenities, including high street shops, a supermarket and eateries, all easily accessible on foot or by car. 

Last month, the stunning new ‘Orchid’ show home opened for viewing at the development,  offering a modern open-plan living with a large kitchen/dining area at the back of the home, a welcoming lounge, very generously sized master bedroom and a family bathroom. 

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director at Cruden Homes, said: “West Craigs Green is a thriving community-inspired development in Edinburgh providing the ideal place for buyers who want to live in a scenic location, yet within easy reach of city life. 

“Following the enthusiastic response to the first phase of West Craigs Green, our brand new apartment offering only serves to extend the appeal of the development, making it the perfect location for first time buyers, young professionals and those looking to downsize.”

To view or find out more about reserving a property at Cruden Homes’ latest West Craigs Green development, visit https://crudenhomes.homeselector.uk/west-craigs-green or call 0131 600 0095.

The sales & marketing suite and showhome are open Thursday to Monday, 10.30am – 5.30pm.

Avant Homes to build £43.85m, 170 new home development in Rosyth

Avant Homes Scotland will deliver 170 new homes in Rosyth with a gross development value of £43.85m after acquiring a 16.5-acre site with planning permission off Admiralty Road.

Called Stewart’s Quarter, the development will comprise a mix of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes.

It will feature 13 of Avant Homes’ practically designed, energy-efficient detached and semi-detached properties. Prices for homes at Stewart’s Quarter will be released at a later date.

The housebuilder will be investing around £27m to deliver the development, supporting local businesses and communities over a five-year period.

Stewart’s Quarter will form part of the Rosyth Garden Village master plan which will see the delivery of a mixed-use development. Once complete, it will comprise up to 390 new homes, retail units, offices, sheltered housing and a care home.

Work has started at Stewart’s Quarter and it is anticipated the first homes will be released for sale towards the end of March. A show home is scheduled to open this September and the first residents are scheduled to move into their new homes in October.

Avant Homes Scotland managing director, Jim Wilkinson, said: “We are very pleased to have been able to acquire what is an excellent residential development site in Rosyth. It is a great place to live which will be enhanced even further by the Rosyth Garden Village master plan.

“Our objective is to build quality new homes for everyone and our mix of practically designed, energy efficient properties at Stewart’s Quarter available at a range of price points will ably demonstrate that.

“We already have many enquiries from people wanting to live at the development and now we have started work it has stimulated further interest. We look forward to releasing the first homes for sale and providing people with the opportunity to make their ideal next move.”

Edinburgh-based Avant Homes Scotland currently has nine live developments. These range from Craigowl Law in Dundee to Draffen Park in Stewarton.

Avant Homes Scotland is part of the Avant Homes Group, whose house types are ideal for the private, rented, and affordable sectors. The company operates across Scotland, the north of England and Midlands from eight regional operating businesses.

At present, Avant Homes Group employs more than 600 people. The housebuilder’s ambition is to develop its multi-tenure business further across its existing regions and beyond, creating communities as well as providing employment opportunities.

Avant Homes Group is also committed to its environmental, social and governance (ESG) responsibilities in line with its vision to construct and sell “quality homes, for everyone”.

The housebuilder’s ESG strategy recognises its obligations to all stakeholders to deliver a sustainable future. Avant Homes’ house types are significantly more energy efficient compared to existing housing stock and appeal to a wide range of customers with different affordability requirements.

Each of Avant Homes’ developments provides a safe place for employees and sub-contractors to work as well supporting its supply chain. The housebuilder creates communities in places where people want to live.

Avant Homes is committed to securing sustainable growth through private for sale, PRS and additional affordable housing.

This better serves customers and communities, particularly where the cost of living has increased and affordability is stretched.

Avant Homes has invested in the internal expertise to develop and deliver strategic relationships with PRS investors as well as affordable housing providers.

The Group recently announced the sale of 306 new homes across eight developments to a leading private rented housing provider, Sigma Capital Group, for over £59.5m.

Four of the developments are in north east England, two in Yorkshire with the balance in the East Midlands. This significant PRS transaction demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver a significant volume of quality new homes to a major PRS investor. 

For the year ended 30 June 2023, the Avant Homes Group delivered 1,766 completions.

For further information visit www.avanthomes.co.uk