Tag: planning application

‘Transformational redevelopment’ planned for Ocean Terminal

Ocean Terminal has submitted a pre-application notice with the City of Edinburgh Council for a transformational redevelopment that will see the 20-year-old centre open up to the waterfront. The vision is to create a destination that reflects the needs and aspirations of the people who live and work in Leith.

Having purchased the shopping centre in March 2020 because of its significant potential, Scottish owners, Ambassador Group, have used insights gained over the past eighteen months to advance plans to turn Ocean Terminal into a gateway to the waterfront for the local community, adding to the wider regeneration of Leith.

The new masterplan for the site includes a new mixed-use space that maximises the location and aspect on to the Firth of Forth, created at a new linked entrance to the centre. Reflecting the change in people’s priorities post-pandemic, the proposal promises a mix of indoor and outdoor space achieved by the demolition of the existing north multistorey car park and the former Debenhams store to allow the remaining building to be reconfigured with updated spaces for new commercial opportunities facing a dramatic streetscape to the waterfront.

There will be a consolidation of Ocean Terminal’s recent shift in strategy to attract and retain tenants that are aligned to local and national policy objectives supporting ‘20-minute neighbourhoods’.

Complementing the continuing regeneration of Leith which has seen new homes, schools and businesses emerge, the proposals support local jobs while also cementing Leith’s distinct appeal as a popular choice for visitors to the Capital.

The final stage of the masterplan is to introduce a mix of much-needed housing on the waterfront, integrating with the trams to Newhaven extension and new local amenities, to add to the vibrancy of the local community and the sustainability of the local economy.

Following the submission of the Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) today (18th August, 2021), Ocean Terminal will now conduct public consultation beginning with an online exhibition set to go live on 23rd September.

A full planning application is expected in early 2022, with a view to start works later that year.

The redevelopment represents an investment of more than £100 million.

Chris Richardson is the managing director for Ambassador Investments, which is responsible for developing a range of residential properties and commercial buildings across Scotland, all of which have industry leading environmental credentials.

He said: “We’re planning a transformational redevelopment that will finally realise Ocean Terminal’s potential as a leading waterfront destination, whilst placing the changing priorities of residents, businesses, visitors and shoppers centre stage.

“The retail industry and the local environment has evolved significantly in recent years and this redevelopment will create a sustainable destination that people will continue to enjoy for years to come.

“This is an exciting time for Ocean Terminal, and we look forward to sharing that vision as we move forward.”

Ambassador Group has a vision for Ocean Terminal which has been advanced and adapted over the course of the pandemic. Having seen how local people want to interact with the centre and the need for public space, it is clear that Ocean Terminal is an important part of Leith and the area’s regeneration story. 

The firm’s vision is for a sustainable place for shopping, relaxing, working and living that will make the most of the centre’s unique waterfront location and fully embraces new environmental standards.

Throughout, there is a commitment to climate change mitigation and the promotion of sustainability, in line with Edinburgh City Council and Scottish Government net zero targets, through the use of energy efficient materials and low carbon energy generation.

Having already spoken with many of those with an interest in the success of Ocean Terminal, the early feedback has been very positive. The proposed redevelopment will happen carefully in distinct phases to ensure a smooth realisation of the vision. That includes a focus on continuity and consistency for existing tenants and other users of Ocean Terminal, while plans are put in place.

Ambassador Group has appointed the following advisers on the project: planning consultants, Turley, building surveyors, PMP, and architects, Keppie Design.

Plans submitted for Lauriston Farm agroecology project

The Edinburgh Agroecology Co-op (EAC) has submitted plans for their urban agriculture project at Lauriston Farm.

The group’s project aims to address access to local, affordable fresh produce, environmental degradation and promote knowledge of food production.

Planning application details can be viewed here:

https://tinyurl.com/5an2pwf4

Dunard Centre plans unveiled

Images of the proposed new design for the Dunard Centre supported by Royal Bank of Scotland, reveal an opportunity to make an ‘inspiring contribution to the city’s cultural rebuild‘, project leaders IMPACT Scotland said yesterday.

One of the boldest ventures in the city’s recent past, Edinburgh’s first purpose-built music and performance venue in over one hundred years will rival the best in the world in acoustic quality and audience experience, bringing together architect Sir David Chipperfield, recognised throughout the world for high quality architecture in sensitive heritage sites and leading acousticians Nagata Acoustics, established international authorities in the field of concert hall design. 

As the cultural flagship for the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, the Dunard Centre will fill a recognised gap in the region’s cultural infrastructure and provide a platform for local, national and international musicians to perform to audiences in the very best environment.

The 1000 capacity hall is designed with the flexibility to welcome the widest possible range of acoustic and amplified music and performance to a mid-sized venue.

The simple elegance of the exterior reflects the surrounding neoclassical design of the Edinburgh New Town and opens up an undiscovered area of the city centre, linking the St James Quarter, St Andrew Square and the Register Lanes and contributing to the regeneration of the area. 

Impact Co-chair Fergus Linehan said: “We are delighted to unveil the stunning design for the Dunard Centre which will be a truly transformational venue in the heart of Edinburgh.  

“The restrictions throughout the pandemic have highlighted the enormous contribution participating in the performing arts, whether as an audience member or a performer, makes to our wellbeing.

“It is a great honour to be leading a project which will make such a positive and inspiring contribution to the city’s cultural rebuild.” 

Co-chair Gavin Reid added: “As well as being a creative hub hosting music and educational experiences of all kinds, the Dunard Centre will reach out beyond its own walls to be an inspirational springboard for outreach work across the city and beyond.”

Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal partners also welcomed the announcement.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “The Dunard Centre is an exciting prospect for Edinburgh’s cultural landscape. 

“These designs show the great potential for a new, dynamic creative space in the heart of the city.

“The UK Government is investing £10 million in this project as part of it’s £1.5 billion commitment to Region Deals across Scotland, helping communities everywhere to build back better from the pandemic.”

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Adam McVey said: “The Dunard Centre is an exciting and important new cultural venue for our Capital. This is the first purpose-built concert venue in Edinburgh in more than 100 years which will expand Edinburgh’s landscape for enjoying music and the arts.  

“It is in a prime central and sustainable location, with fantastic public transport connections and will complement the wider transformation of the east end of the city centre alongside the opening of the Edinburgh St James Quarter- ensuring that our City centre remains a vibrant and thriving destination.”

Malcolm Buchanan, chair, Scotland Board, Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “The Dunard Centre is an exciting proposition that will enrich the city’s education, music and arts communities and one that we are proud to be part of.

“Royal Bank of Scotland has supported Scotland’s arts sectors throughout its 300-year history, three centuries which have cemented Edinburgh and the country’s position as a capital for global culture.

“The Dunard Centre will play a role in continuing that tradition and create further opportunity for another generation of artists and performers.”

Sir David Chipperfield said: “Tucked behind Dundas House and on axis with George Street, the Dunard Centre occupies a strategic site linking the formal qualities of St. Andrew Square and the New Town with the more intimate atmosphere of lanes around Register House towards the new St. James Quarter.

“The identity of the building is determined by its circular form, contributing to the silhouette of the city and enclosing a 1,000-seat hall. This flexible world-class facility is designed to adapt to a wide-ranging programme of performances and cultural activities, ensuring it will serve as a meaningful new addition to the life and fabric of Edinburgh.”

The redesigned building will house:

⦁ 1000 capacity auditorium with the capacity for live streaming, digital capture and broadcasting
⦁ flexible multi-purpose rooms for education, conferencing and hospitality
⦁ foyer with informal opportunity for performance
⦁ café/bar with indoor and outdoor seating

The space has been skilfully re-imagined to create a world-class auditorium of exceptional acoustic quality in the heart of the city, retaining the 1000 capacity, while reducing the size of the proposed building.

The budget for the project remains at £75 million, with two-thirds of this being met by private philanthropy and fundraising. £35 million is being donated by Dunard Fund, and a fundraising campaign for a further £15 million has already received significant pledges.

As part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal the UK and Scottish Governments are each providing £10 million, and City of Edinburgh Council £5 million.

A variation to the planning application is being submitted this week. If planning permission is granted, construction will begin in 2022, with an estimated build length of 3 years.

Shop local? Telford housing application faces local opposition

An application to build new homes in Telford is facing opposition.

Port of Leith Housing Association has lodged plans to build eleven flats on the site of the shops on Telford Drive, but one resident has appealed to Drylaw Telford Community Council to challenge the application.

At one time there was a row of shops on the site at the heart of the scheme – older readers may recall a fish and chip shop, a haberdashery and a general store there – but the last remaining convenience store closed last year.

The nearest shops for Telford residents are at Ferry Road ‘shopping centre’ in Drylaw or over the busy Telford Road at Craigleith Retail Park – and at least one Telford woman thinks this is wrong.

She told Drylaw Telford Community Council: “When the shop closed in January 2020 it was to make way for flats and a convenience store included, but with covid that all fell through.

“We have waited on the same plans to re-emerge, only to find out that the council are giving planning permission according to a report in Edinburgh live yesterday , for the flats only.

“I am outraged as our nearest shop is the Today store in Drylaw and it is a long journey for most and to carry shopping is very hard.

“I have lived in this street for over 50 years and we have always had a shop here – Sohil the shop owner was reluctant to give up this land but he was promised a new shop would be built and he would have a choice to come back and run it.

“The residents of Telford Drive need a shop in our street – not everyone has a car.” 

Drylaw Telford Community Council will discuss the application at their August meeting.

Public to be given a say on new employment development at Salter’s Park

Buccleuch Property hope to deliver an exciting new employment development on land east of Salters Road, Dalkeith, Midlothian known as Salter’s Park.

Including business, industrial and storage/industrial uses the development will redevelop the current site and generate considerable employment opportunities.

The developer intends to submit a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to Midlothian Council, informing that it plans to submit a planning application for the development following a minimum 12-week consultation period. 

The Scottish Government has suspended in-person public consultation events due to COVID-19.

Full details about the proposals will be made available to the public at 9am on Thursday 15 July on the dedicated project website: www.salterspark.com

An online consultation will take place between 3pm and 7pm on Thursday 15th July. Consultants will be available during those hours to answer any questions and receive feedback through a two-way chat system.

Feedback can also be submitted via the website, and information will be made available in paper format if requested. 

Any representations or suggestions for changes to the proposals shared during the online event will be included in a Pre-Application Consultation report to accompany future applications. 

If you are unable to access the exhibition boards on the day of the event, please contact Orbit Communications on 0131 202 3259 or at hello@salterspark.com

A spokesperson at Buccleuch Property, said: “We’re delighted to be giving the public the chance to have a say on our development proposals in Salter’s Park.

“This exciting development will deliver economic benefits to the community by providing new employment uses to the area.

“We are consulting extensively to ensure that that the public have an opportunity to input their views and shape our proposals. We encourage the community to attend and ask any questions they may have.”

North Edinburgh Arts capital project update & AGM

Dear North Edinburgh Arts Friend, 

North Edinburgh Arts Board and Director have been working in partnership with Council officers to develop the Planning application for the MacMillan Hub submitted last week.

Details and a link to the full application on the planning portal can be accessed here:  www.northedinburgharts.co.uk/development

NEA are continuing to work on the costs and timetable for the MacMillan Hub, focusing on the extension and refurbishment of our building as an integral part of the Hub. Our Fundraiser, Roger Horam at Red Lynx, and Board continue to apply for funding and have had positive meetings with a range of statutory and third sector funders. 

On 3 June 2021 the Council agreed to put forward NEA for consideration as part of the Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund. On 10 June 2021 the Council agreed to put NEA, as a key part of the MacMillan Hub, forward for the UK Levelling Up Fund.

This fund needs support from our local MP, and we thank Christine Jardine MP for her support. We would be grateful, too, for your support of NEA’s ambitious plan, and welcome any input you may be able to make, on behalf of our community,  to decision makers at both the Scottish and Westminster Governments who will be assessing our applications for funding.

If you have any questions or want more information please get in touch with us by emailing our Director Kate Wimpress at director@northedinburgharts.co.uk

I also would like to invite you to our forthcoming General Meeting on 21 July 2021 at 6.30pm, most likely to be held via Zoom, and would be pleased to speak with you then if you are able to attend. 

Yours sincerely

Lesley Hinds

Chair, North Edinburgh Arts
on behalf of the North Edinburgh Arts’ Board of Trustees

Notice_of_General_Meeting_21_July_2021Download

Planning application submitted for Powderhall regeneration

The city council’s Powderhall regeneration project has reached another major milestone with the submission this week of a planning application by Collective Architecture for the first phase of a new development.

Following extensive public consultation this phase will include a new Early Learning and Childcare Centre with places for 128 children with 27 accessible council homes, designed for older persons, situated above. This intergenerational facility will be one of the first of its kind in Scotland and will offer health and wellbeing benefits for the older residents and new learning and social opportunities for children attending the nursery.

This new intergenerational building will also be one of the first Passivhaus-standard buildings built by the Council, meaning that it will use little energy.  All the properties will be fully wheelchair-adapted, accessible via two lifts and will have storage for mobility scooters and bikes.

The new Early Learning and Childcare Centre, which will be managed by Broughton Primary School, will allow for the existing nursery provision to relocate to the new centre. This will provide more childcare places for the local community and open up more space for the primary school.  It will also have a multi-purpose room, which will be available for public use via the school lets system.

The development also proposes to create a new civic space as an entrance to Powderhall and make improvements to St Mark’s Path, together with a new outdoor educational space for Broughton Primary School, again available for community use via school lets.

Subject to planning approval the Council hopes to start on site with the building and associated works this summer (ref: 21/00381/FUL).

Councillor Kate Campbell, Convenor for Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work, said: “The community have absolutely shaped the development plans for this site, so I’d like to thank everyone who gave up their time to share their thoughts with us. The plans are better because of their contributions and will have community facilities that work for local people.

“These new homes will be accessible and energy efficient. They will all be fully wheelchair adapted and built to the internationally recognised Passivhaus-standard, with renewable power generation on site. So they are both contributing to our Net Zero Carbon by 2030 target and our commitment to building 20,000 affordable homes by 2027.

“We’ll start by restoring the stable block and work will begin imminently. This will create affordable, flexible workspace for small businesses – supporting dozens of local jobs. The function space can be used for community events, such as art classes or exhibitions.  

“I’m looking forward to seeing the development start to take shape over the course of next year, restoring the lovely stable blocks, bringing them back into use and giving local residents back this area that has been unused for so long.”

Councillor Ian Perry, Convenor for Education, Children and Families, said: “This entire Powderhall development will bring fantastic benefits to the local community, creating great spaces to live, work and play – while being safe and carbon neutral.

“It’s great to see that through the new Early Learning and Childcare Centre more children in the area will be able to access nursery spaces. This will allow us to meet our commitments to making early years provision more flexible, to fit family needs, and deliver 1,140 hours a year of free early learning and childcare for all three- and four-year olds and eligible two-year olds.

“This phase of development forms part of the wider regeneration of the former Powderhall Waste Transfer Station and the adjacent former Stables building. In total, the development will deliver more than 200 homes – over a third of them affordable.”

Nicola McLachlan, Project Architect, Collective Architecture said: “The recent pandemic has reinforced the significant and detrimental impact that unsustainable living and social conditions can have on the quality of our lives, heightening our sense of accountability.

“The Powderhall mixed-use masterplan is reflective of an ambitious client and a participatory place-based design approach that has developed innovative and ethical living possibilities, taking visionary steps towards ensuring future communities are both socially and environmentally sustainable and successfully rooted with their surrounding neighbours.

“Phase 2 of the masterplan focuses on sharing, agency, and autonomy in the context of increasing age demographics, rising levels of loneliness and takes cognition of the significant shortage of older persons homes – particularly within urban areas.

“The proposals create a purpose-built intergeneration building where residents and nursery children can seamlessly co-exist, creating a variety of spaces where people can enjoy interaction and sharing space and time together. A project that marks a significant step towards designing with an agenda where wellbeing and high quality of life for all generations is our measure.”

Carl Baker, Architect and Passivhaus Designer, Collective Architecture said: “The project contributes to The City of Edinburgh Council’s target of becoming a net zero carbon local authority, and the adoption of the Passivhaus Standard ensures this is a tangible aspiration.

“In addition to Passivhaus and the proposed renewable technologies, sustainability has been considered throughout the project from the co-location of services and the shared building elements, to the reduction of embodied carbon by incorporating a circular strategy.

“Furthermore, there are many benefits for the client and end users of this project which are provided by the intergenerational approach and in striving to achieve the Passivhaus Standard. Some of these will be felt immediately, while others such as long-term health improvements and access to a high-quality learning environment will be experienced for generations to come.”

Public opportunity to comment on Seafield residential development

The public will be given a chance to have their say on proposals to deliver residential-led development at 22-25 Seafield Road. 

Manse (Seafield) LLP will be holding a web-based, digital consultation for their exciting residential-led mixed-use development at Seafield Road. This is at the site of the current Peter Vardy Vauxhall Garage along with neighbouring Arnold Clark and Buccleuch Property sites on Seafield Road.

The wider Seafield area, of which this forms part, is allocated for residential development in City of Edinburgh Council’s Choices for City Plan 2030. This is the first stage in the development of the Local Development Plan, which guides future development in the city.

Manse (Seafield) LLP has now submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN), which signals the intent to submit a planning application following the consultation with the City of Edinburgh Council.

The Scottish Government has suspended in-person public consultation events due to COVID-19.

Full details about the proposals will be made available to the public at 9 am on 28 January on the dedicated project website: (http://seafieldroad.scot/).  An online consultation will take place between 3pm and 7pm.

Consultants will be available during those hours to answer any questions and receive feedback through a two-way chat system. Feedback can also be submitted via the website and information will be made available in paper format, if requested. 

Any representations or suggestions for changes to the proposals shared during the online event will be included in a Pre-Application Consultation report to accompany future applications. 

Manse will work with the City of Edinburgh Council, Craigentinny and Meadowbank Community Council, and other stakeholders, to ensure the delivery of this new, exciting community quarter in line with the aspirations of the emerging Local Development Plan.

Commenting on this, Colin MacPherson from Manse LLP said: “We’re thrilled to be giving the public the chance to have a say on the future of Seafield. 

“These proposals will greatly assist in the regeneration of this part of the city, and we are consulting extensively to ensure that that the public have an opportunity to input their views and help us shape our ambitious proposals.”

Planning proposal for new homes at Seafield

Proposals have been put forward by Manse (Seafield) LLP for the delivery of an exciting residential-led mixed-use development on the site of the current Peter Vardy Vauxhall Garage on Seafield Road (24 Seafield Road).

The wider general Seafield site, of which this forms part, is allocated for residential development in City of Edinburgh Council’s Choices for City Plan 2030. This the first stage in the development of the Local Development Plan, which guides future development in the city.

A Proposal of Application Notice (PAN), which signals the intent to submit a planning application following consultation has now been submitted by Manse (Seafield) LLP to City of Edinburgh Council.

While ideally it would be good see the delivery of the whole Seafield site at the same time, not all sites can come forward simultaneously for a variety of reasons. This includes the issue of long leases in place with current tenants and the existing business plans of landowners. This can therefore mean that it will be over 10 years before some areas of Seafield could be developed.

Delivery of this first phase will instil investor confidence that the whole area can ultimately be built out.

The known challenges in building out some of the larger Masterplan sites around the city, even when the market is positive, also demonstrates why landowner buy-in to kick-start this process is essential. This will inspire confidence that not only this site, but that the wider Seafield area is deliverable, and is especially important as when it comes to economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The submission of the PAN will allow the public to engage in the process and assist with the Sounding Board discussions / debates that are taking place involving local stakeholders.  A digital consultation event will take place on Thursday 28th January from 3pm-7pm and can be accessed at www.seafieldroad.scot.

In addition, a PAN submission will deliver detailed input from Council officers (including highways, flood, landscape, environmental, education) and other parties such as Scottish Water / SEPA. as site designs cannot be meaningfully progressed without knowing the site’s key technical constraints and opportunities.

Manse have also commissioned research work on transport, ground conditions and drainage infrastructure both locally and for the wider area.

This will assist in proactively informing the layout, land uses and overall design and ensures the Masterplan Principles for the whole Seafield area are developed with sound underlying technical information.

Manse will work with City of Edinburgh Council, Craigentinny and Meadowbank Community Council as well as other stakeholders, to ensure the delivery of this new, exciting community quarter in line with the aspirations of the Local Development Plan.

Colin MacPherson from Manse said: “We are delighted to be bringing forward these exciting proposals for Seafield, which will serve to demonstrate that not only this site, but development of the wider area is achievable.

“As we have seen with major Masterplan sites across the city, building out an area with the complexity of the whole Seafield will take some time. Our proposals for this first phase will hopefully serve to kick-start that process and instil investor confidence in its deliverability.

“We look forward to continuing to engage with local stakeholders and the community as a whole as we progress this process.”

Drum submits new Planning Application for Leith Walk site

Plans for 146 High-Quality Apartments submitted following ‘Well-Received and Positive’ local consultation campaign 

Drum Property Group has submitted a new planning application to the City of Edinburgh Council for the redevelopment of the 2.9-acre Stead’s Place site, near the foot of Leith Walk.

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

Drum’s revised proposals will replace the existing industrial units with 146 high-quality apartments as part of an attractive landscaped residential scheme linking to Pilrig Park and beyond.

The sandstone building on Leith Walk will be retained and refurbished and made available for commercial occupation. The new proposal follows a successful six-month consultation programme for the revised plans, including two major online events as well as direct feedback sessions with local groups and residents.

Almost three-quarters of those consulted either supported or were neutral about Drum’s revised plans, with more than 80% saying that the site should now be developed. 

Welcoming the new planning application, Graeme Bone, Group Managing Director of Drum, said: “This new planning application represents a culmination of more than three-and-a-half years of intense planning, consultation and hard work since Drum first purchased the site in 2017. 

“Our proposals will now bring an added dimension to Leith Walk and the wider area, transforming what is currently an inhospitable industrial site by creating an attractive, open and accessible homes-led community for residents and visitors alike. This provides a comfortable living environment, away from the busy Leith Walk and linked through accessible and landscaped walkways and cycle routes to Pilrig Park and the rest of the city. 

“By retaining and refurbishing the red sandstone buildings facing on to Leith Walk, we are also contributing to the wider regeneration of the local area, providing investment to create an attractive and distinctive destination and focal point which is needed now, more than ever. 

“We are pleased that our designs have been well-received by the local community throughout an extensive and positive consultation programme, and now look forward to progressing the application with the City of Edinburgh Council.” 

Drum’s planning application is for 146 high-quality apartments with the majority being build-for-rent and 36 being earmarked for affordable housing in line with Council policy. Building heights have been reduced to four and five storeys following feedback from the consultation process. Significant green space and access routes through the site open up a vibrant and attractive streetscape, linking the two residential buildings with the sandstone building overlooking Leith Walk. The red sandstone building will be refurbished and the individual commercial units and offices will reflect the distinctive and independent feel of the local area. 

Mr Bone added: “Our revised proposals will maintain the red sandstone building whilst incorporating sympathetic design for the residential quarter to the rear of the site, creating a much-improved access linking Leith Walk with Pilrig Park.

“This will continue the traditions of vibrancy and independence which makes Leith Walk such an exciting destination in which to live, work and visit.” 

The new planning submission follows a previous application submitted by Drum to the City of Edinburgh in 2018.  

For more information on the revised proposals, visit www.steads-place.com