Tag: redevelopment

Public consultation opens on plans to secure future of Summerhall

PUBLIC DROP-IN TOMORROW 3pm to 7.30pm

A public consultation is now underway on proposals to secure the future of Summerhall, Edinburgh’s landmark arts venue, as developer AMA sets out an emerging vision to secure the site’s future.

Residents, businesses, artists and community groups can review the proposals and provide feedback on plans for Summerhall from Tuesday 29 September until Friday 23 October.

sculpture at Summerhall

A public drop-in event will be held at Summerhall tomorrow – Wednesday 7th October, from 3pm to 7.30pm, where visitors can view the plans, meet the project team and ask questions.

Since the Royal Dick Veterinary College left in 2011, Summerhall has become a home for artists, performers, creative organisations and small businesses. The site now faces significant financial and physical challenges, and needs substantial investment to secure its long-term future.

Having entered into a contract to acquire Summerhall from Oesselmann Estate Limited in April 2025, Edinburgh-based AMA is developing a vision together with Kettle Collective architects for an Arts Quarter at Summerhall. The plans seek to retain the site’s cultural role while bringing new activity and investment to the wider complex.

The emerging proposals include retaining and sensitively adapting key heritage buildings, improving pedestrian access through the site and enhancing its public spaces. A wider mix of uses is also being explored to help support Summerhall’s long-term sustainability.

The proposals have been informed by pre-application discussions with the City of Edinburgh Council. Its advice recognises the potential for a mixed-use development that retains arts and community uses, and welcomes the proposed retention and use of the majority of the site’s listed buildings.

It also identifies improved accessibility and energy efficiency as potential benefits, while stressing the need for sensitive design within Summerhall’s heritage and conservation setting.

A January 2026 review by the Edinburgh Urban Design Panel also recognised the site’s complex history. Once home to a brewery and two churches, Summerhall became the Royal Dick Veterinary College in the early 20th century.

Later additions include modernist buildings constructed between 1967 and 1971, among them its distinctive tower. The site sits within the South Side Conservation Area, close to The Meadows.

Dr Ali Afshar, co-founder and managing director of AMA, said: “Summerhall is an important part of Edinburgh’s cultural life. We know how much it means to the people who work here, visit and live nearby. We also know that significant investment is needed to address the challenges facing its buildings and secure its future.

“Our vision for an Arts Quarter builds on what makes Summerhall special. Art and culture will remain at its heart, alongside sensitive work to its heritage buildings, better access through the site and a mix of uses that can support it for the long term.

“Summerhall’s character comes from the many different chapters of its history. We want to respect that history while making the site more welcoming and accessible. This consultation is a chance for people to tell us what matters to them, and their feedback will help inform the proposals before we submit a planning application at the start of 2027.

“We hope the existing management team will continue its stewardship and day-to-day running of the Arts Quarter and associated commercial spaces following redevelopment, within modernised buildings offering greater flexibility.”

The consultation is open until Friday 23 October. Plans can be viewed and feedback submitted at www.summerhallconsultation.co.uk.

A further public engagement event will be held in due course, with details announced ahead of time.

West Pilton Park: Public Meeting

UPDATES TO WEST PILTON PARK

CONSTRUCTION WORK AND PARK CLOSURE

Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust are holding a meeting at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre on TUESDAY 25th AUGUST at 5pm to discuss the park development and for you to ask questions about YOUR park.

There is over £5 million being spent on re-developing the park and it will be closed until October/November 2027.

Come along, and have your say!

121 affordable homes proposed for former Livingston leisure site

Cruden submits planning to transform former Xcite site 

Five-star housebuilder Cruden has submitted plans for a major new affordable housing development at Almondvale Parkway in Livingston.

The proposals would transform the former Xcite Livingston site into 121 high-quality affordable homes, alongside new landscaping, parking and improved walking and cycling connections through the area.

Located within Livingston town centre, the 1.2-hectare brownfield site was previously home to the popular Bubbles Swimming Pool, which closed in 2023 and was demolished last year. Cruden’s plans would bring the vacant site back into use and create a new residential community in a highly accessible location.

The development includes a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, including retirement housing and wheelchair-accessible homes, helping to meet growing demand for affordable and energy-efficient housing in West Lothian.

Designed with sustainability and connectivity at its core, the plans would retain a large area of mature woodland while introducing additional planting, biodiversity features and new green spaces throughout the site. Enhanced pedestrian links would also improve connections between Almondvale Boulevard, nearby cycle routes and the football stadium beyond.

The homes have been designed to maximise natural light and energy efficiency, with the majority benefiting from south-facing living spaces. The development includes low-carbon technology, including heat pump systems and roof-mounted solar panels.

Demonstrating its continued commitment to West Lothian, Cruden recently completed a 146-home development at Almondvale for West Lothian Housing Partnership, alongside projects at  Sydney Street in Livingston and in East Calder.

Andrew Duncan, Land Director of Cruden, said: “Our plans will transform this prominent brownfield site into a high-quality affordable housing development that will bring new life into this part of Livingston town centre.

“The former Xcite site holds strong memories for many local people, and we want to create a development that delivers lasting benefits for the community through much-needed affordable homes and high-quality green space.

“Environmental considerations have been incorporated into the scheme through measures such as woodland retention, active travel connections, and energy-efficient homes that can help reduce running costs for residents.”

The planning application follows a detailed design and consultation process with West Lothian Council and the local community. Subject to planning approval, Cruden intends to begin work on site in early 2027.

New homes brought to the market following ‘outstanding reinvention’ of historic Edinburgh site

A collection of outstanding and “unapologetically modern” new homes that will transform a historic space in Edinburgh’s South Queensferry landscape are soon to be launched to the market.

The development of Q Gardens, an impressive reinvention of the Georgian Scotstoun House estate, is being carried out by luxury home specialist – AMA New Homes and marries Scottish architectural heritage with breathtaking contemporary design. 

Award-winning architects The Kettle Collective – known for landmark projects across the Middle East, Asia and Africa – have drawn up the plans for these striking new homes which will appeal to buyers searching for statement homes in a leafy garden setting close to the centre of Edinburgh. 

Set in more than two hectares of parkland, the exclusive complex comprises 21 three, four and five-bedroom homes, characterised by fluid living spaces, an abundance of light, a sense of open space and biophilic designs.

Q Gardens sits in the grounds of the former Scotstoun Park House, a grand mansion built in the 1770s, thought to have been originally part of the Rosebery Estate. 

The mansion was demolished in the 1960s after years of neglect and a modernist office block, Scotstoun House, was built in its place designed by influential architect Peter Fogo. The signature of Ove Arup, founder of global engineering firm ARUP, can be found in the concrete alongside the date 1965.

Created around a square floor plan that echoes the size and shape of the neighbouring Georgian walled garden, the B-listed classic building will be converted into four four-bedroom apartments and forms the centrepiece of the project.

Architect Tony Kettle said: “Our task was to convert and revitalise this modernist gem while celebrating the site’s heritage. The original sculpted concrete panels will be retained, while a floating roofline forms a continuous clerestory window beneath, an enduring hallmark of modernist design.

“Our plans set large villas and townhouses within the original mature landscaped setting of Scotstoun House with a central lawn and walled garden. The existing mature trees have been protected and supplemented with extensive new tree planting to create a protected garden setting, a green oasis within South Queensferry.

“The driving design principle behind Q Gardens was to blur the boundaries between inside and out and to bring the residents closer to nature.

“This can be seen in the plans for expansive floor to ceiling windows that link formal dining and living areas to private gardens, creating a seamless flow between the buildings and the verdant surroundings. Additionally, balconies and bedroom views are framed by mature tree canopies. At all times during the design process, we have sought to capitalise on the glorious woodland setting.”

Of particular note is a dramatic extension linking the original Georgian stable block and adjacent cottage with a glazed curtain wall to form a three-bedroom house.

Crafted with minimalist modernist detailing, the luxury development offers the high quality homes associated with AMA. The designs for these elegant residences are thoughtfully arranged around light-filled kitchens with statement extended islands, allowing residents to combine cooking with informal dining and offering both wonderful family rooms and ideal entertaining spaces. 

The homes will feature air source heat pumps, a state-of-the-art mechanical ventilation heat recovery system, high levels of insulation and underfloor heating, providing energy-efficient and environmentally conscious heating systems.

Behnam Afshar, director of AMA, said: “The potential for an extraordinary development at Scotstoun was immediately obvious and we are immensely proud of the way in which we are reinventing this special space. 

“Scotstoun’s heritage gave us an excellent foundation with which to work. We have brought together the site’s heritage and contemporary design to create the blueprint for a truly sustainable development of outstanding, unapologetically modern homes. We believe this will be a striking addition to the city’s prime property portfolio.”

Q Gardens is ideally located just 10 miles west of the centre of Edinburgh with excellent transport connections to the city. It is also close to the motorway network and Edinburgh Airport. South Queensferry is an attractive, historic harbour town which offers a broad range of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, a popular sports centre, a busy marina and primary and secondary schools.

Currently under development, the first homes are expected to complete later this year. 

Available off-plan, prices start from £680,000 for stylish three-bedroom linked villas. The stable conversion is available for offers over £925,000 and the five-bedroom detached villas set in their own garden grounds are for sale for offers over £1.3million.

For more information visit www.amahomes.co.uk.

Edinburgh Castle’s Crown Room gets a right royal makeover

See behind the scenes as Castle’s Crown Room gets a right royal makeover

Work is progressing on redevelopment of the Crown Room at Edinburgh Castle, the historic home of the Crown, Sword and Sceptre which make up the Honours of Scotland.

Since the Crown Room closed its vault doors in January, significant refurbishment has been underway to enhance the display of the Honours. Elements of the Victorian design are being restored, including the room’s oak panelling. New oak shields have been carved by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) joiners to return these features to the original, simpler form that would have decorated the display at that time.

A new, bespoke display case for the Honours is also being installed. This has been designed to continue to keep these priceless objects physically secure, environmentally stable and looking their best for the 2m visitors who flock to the site each year.

The project has also provided a historic opportunity for a new generation of craftspeople to hone their skills. John Lamb, Third Year Apprentice Joiner at HES, has been working on the oak panelling conservation and creation of the new shields, while Mackenzie Francis, Second Year Apprentice Painter, has been painting the doors of the Crown Room.

Speaking about his involvement in the project, John said: “I’ve been able to work across all joinery aspects of the Crown Room refurbishment, which has been a really great opportunity.

“I’ve learned to use different router techniques while working on the new shields, and I’ve learned so much already working with the other joiners.”

Mackenzie added: “We’ve been using a metal paint to paint the doors of the Crown Room a new colour. Working on this project has given me the opportunity to find out more about different types of paint, which is a good skill to learn.

“It’s a big honour to work in the Crown Room, it’s not every day that you get the opportunity to do something like this.”

The redevelopment of the Crown Room is the latest chapter in the unfolding story of the Honours of Scotland, Britain’s oldest crown jewels and among the oldest in Europe. They have mainly been housed in the Crown Room at Edinburgh Castle since its completion in 1617.

The room is a purpose-built secure vault designed specially to hold these treasures, with barrel-vaulting and thickened walls providing added security.

Kathy Richmond, Head of Collections & Applied Conservation at HES, said: “The Honours of Scotland are objects of immense significance and a key highlight of a visit to Edinburgh Castle.

“With this redevelopment, we’re taking inspiration from the past, and also want these objects to benefit from modern, high-quality design that meets the highest industry standards.

“The new display case will continue to ensure the long-term security and stability of the Honours, while creating an atmospheric and memorable experience for visitors.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors back to the Crown Room later this spring to see the Honours once again in all their glory.”

The Crown Room redevelopment is scheduled to be completed in April 2026.

Information regarding the reopening of the Crown Room to visitors will be published on the Edinburgh Castle website.

Vivere gain planning consent for Edinburgh’s first community of extra care homes

NEW RETIREMENT VILLAGE WILL PROVIDE 48 HOMES ON FORMER ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL CAMPUS SITE

Vivere Extra Care Group is pleased to have gained a ‘minded to approve’ planning consent from The City of Edinburgh Council for Edinburgh’s first fully integrated community of extra care homes, located on the 2.2 acre Lansdowne House site on Coltbridge Terrace in Murayfield. 

Once complete, the new community will provide 48 extra care homes, communal resident’s lounges and facilites, on site parking, landscaped gardens and Edinburgh and Scotland’s first Zero Carbon 5G heat network, located on the vacant brownfield former Lower School Campus site of St George’s School.

The former school campus will be returned to its residential origins since it was originally a grand Victorian villa set in landscaped grounds including a Victorian lodge house and stables,  formerly known as Coltbridge Hall, built in 1875, designed by architect T.B. McFadzen. 

The new extra care community will help to address the proven demand in Edinburgh for age-appropriate housing with 24/7 care services that supports residents to age-in-place and retain their independence, an alternative to a care home.  

Vivere Extra Care Group plan to invest circa £25 million to restore and refurbish the historic buildings on the site and undertake the construction to return Lansdowne House to its residential origins.

During the refurbishment and construction period the new project will contribute to the Edinburgh economy providing over 100 construction jobs including a local builder apprentiship programme for 16-25 year olds. 

When the new community is operational, it will support up to 16 full-time jobs on site and local business partners in Edinburgh, contributing almost £625,000 per annual (estimate) to the local economy, with the residents themselves contributing almost £430,000 per annum to the local economy in taxes and spending. 

Central to the proposals is a commitment by Vivere Extra Care Group to protect, conserve and sensitively refurbish the listed buildings, alongside new build elements which will be thoughtfully designed to complement the character of the Victorian buildings.

Inside the main two storey Victorian villa (Category C Listed) all the heritage rooms on the ground floor will be fully retained and carefully restored to provide communal lounges and shared amenity spaces for residents. 

The high-quality facilities will include a bistro, private dining, a multi-purpose room for a range of activities and a hobby/craft room encouraging socialising. The rooms on the upper floor will be transformed into heritage apartments offering large living spaces and beautiful retained period features.

The scheme will also offer a Health Club, including a full equipped fitness-studio, an activity area for classes such as Pilates and Yoga, a physiotherapy treatment room and post-operative services. The on-site management team will support the residents on a day-to-day basis and estate management services will ensure the maintenance of the buildings and grounds. 

In the grounds, the current modern buildings will be replaced with new high quality buildings, with the grounds enhanced with landscaped gardens, including the modern reinstatement of the original sunken garden of 1875, with new planting and existing trees protected in order to enhance the residential character and quality of the place. 

The landscaping will enhance the biodiversity of the site by increasing the percentage of usable green space by creating a range of garden types, with green and blue roofs enhancing biodiversity as well as slowing rainwater down before going into the main drainage system.

Scott Curran, Co-Founding Director of Vivere Extra Care Group says: “Vivere Extra Care Group is pleased to have gained a ‘minded to approve’ planning consent from The City of Edinburgh Council for Edinburgh’s first fully integrated community of extra care homes on the 2.2 acre Lansdowne House site.

“We thank The City of Edinburgh Council and members of the local community for working closely with us to help finalise our proposals for the project.” 

Vivere Co-Founding Director Beatrix Lehnert adds: “This is an important step in the provision of much needed extra care housing in Edinburgh. Lansdowne is the first of four planned developments we have in the pipeline in Edinburgh over the next five years.

“Our proposals are aligned with the Scottish Government’s ambition to both raise life expectancy in Scotland and the provision of suitable housing and amenities for older people which help to enhance their health and wellbeing.” 

For further information on Vivere Extra Care Group visit: 

www.vivere-scotland.com

IMAGES: VIVERE EXTRA CARE GROUP

Work underway on new 99-home Salamander Yards development 

Construction is now underway at Salamander Yards, a landmark 99-home development set within one of Edinburgh’s most vibrant and popular neighbourhoods, Leith.

Located on Salamander Street, just moments from the buzzing heart of Leith and backing directly onto Leith Links, the development is a joint venture between five star housebuilder Cruden Homes and MNM Developments. The project will transform a former industrial site into a contemporary mixed-use neighbourhood, contributing to the continued regeneration and growing cultural energy of the Leith Waterfront.

Leith has become synonymous with independent retailers, creative workspaces, community-led events and some of the capital’s most celebrated restaurants and bars. From artisan coffee shops and street markets to waterside dining and cultural festivals, the area has evolved into one of Scotland’s most dynamic places to live.

Salamander Yards will provide a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with 35% of the homes allocated as affordable housing to help meet the growing demand for high-quality, accessible homes in the capital. The development will also feature two commercial units at ground level, further enhancing the area’s thriving business scene and creating a lively street presence.

Designed by 7N Architects, the development has been carefully crafted to complement Leith’s distinctive character, blending contemporary design with the area’s industrial heritage.

Residents will benefit from landscaped outdoor spaces, including a private courtyard, alongside enhanced public realm improvements on Salamander Street and new active travel routes to promote safer, more accessible cycling.

The new development backs directly onto Leith Links, one of Edinburgh’s most historic and well-loved green spaces, giving residents immediate access to expansive parkland, sports pitches and walking routes. 

Salamander Yards is situated close to excellent transport connections, including bus routes, established cycle paths and the tram network, offering outstanding connectivity to Edinburgh city centre and beyond.

Fraser Lynes, Chief Executive of Cruden, said: “Salamander Yards is a key contribution to the evolution of Leith Waterfront, helping to shape a vibrant and sustainable place for people to live.

Together with our partners at MNM Developments, we are proud to deliver high-quality homes, including much-needed affordable housing, in one of Edinburgh’s most exciting and culturally rich neighbourhoods.

“Backing onto Leith Links and just moments from the Shore, this development combines green space, connectivity and community in a truly unique setting.”

Marc Teague, Managing Director at MNM Developments, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Cruden to bring Salamander Yards to life.

“Leith continues to grow as a vibrant, creative and highly desirable place to live and work. This development not only delivers much-needed homes, but also supports the wider regeneration of the waterfront and enhances the strong sense of community that defines the area.”

Salamander Yards forms part of the wider regeneration of the Leith Waterfront, helping to create a thriving, mixed-use neighbourhood just minutes from the heart of the capital. First homes are due to complete in Spring 2027. 

Edinburgh developers move a mountain to tackle homelessness

More than 2,500 tonnes of crushed demolition material recycled to provide firm foundations for Edinburgh’s new Social Bite Village

A man-made mountain of more than 2,500 tonnes of crushed demolition material has been transported across Edinburgh as part of an innovative scheme to provide a long-term solution for people facing homelessness.

The mammoth operation saw almost 100 truckloads of inert building rubble recycled from a city centre development site to form the foundations of a new Social Bite Village, located along the capital’s Granton waterfront.

Charity Social Bite teamed up with regeneration specialist Artisan Real Estate to relocate building material which remained following the demolition of the former Deutsche Bank House at 525 Ferry Road (above), making way for Artisan’s spectacular homes-led redevelopment of the site in 2026.

The recycled rubble is now being used to create level groundwork as part of the ongoing construction of the Social Bite Village which will soon become home for up to 16 people who have been affected by homelessness.

The new waterfront community will provide seven new one-bedroom ‘Nest Houses’, together with existing homes converted into single occupancy based on resident feedback. The new community will also include a communal area for residents to cook, gather and relax, together with gardens and space to grow fruit and vegetables.

“This is a superb example of how clever collaboration in the building industry can help improve the world around us,” says Artisan’s Managing Director for Scotland, David Westwater.

“As part of Artisan’s stated commitment to sustainability, we always ensure that as much material as possible can be reused or recycled following demolition. And for this commitment to allow us to help such a life-empowering movement as the creation of a new Social Bite Village means that this really is a perfect development partnership.”

The new Social Bite Village is a relocation of the existing temporary village site, less than one mile away in Granton. The charity’s Edinburgh village model has so far helped more than 100 residents who, at the end of their stay, are supported in transitioning to permanent accommodation. Many have gone on to secure employment, reconnect with family, and move into their own permanent homes.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, adds: “It’s very exciting to see our new project taking shape on a stunning seafront location, and we are delighted to be partnering with Artisan to provide such a firm foundation for the site.

“The success of the Edinburgh Village serves as a blueprint for other projects that we are planning. Its design offers people affected by homelessness, living in unsupported temporary accommodation or other insecure housing, a safe and supportive community in which to find a fresh start.

“With many cities all over the UK declaring housing emergencies and becoming overly reliant on expensive, substandard temporary accommodation, we are proud that our village projects can demonstrate a better alternative that also makes use of innovative construction methods.”

Artisan will start construction of its Ferry Road site, known as 525 Park View (above) in early 2026, in partnership with REInvest Asset Management S.A.

The development will create a low-carbon residential-led community providing 256 sustainable homes, 25% of which will be for affordable housing.

Flexible commercial space facing on to Ferry Road will provide potential for cafes, shops and shared workspaces.

£3.5m development of Queensferry High Street begins

The city council is investing millions to improve Queensferry High Street and the town centre for residents, businesses and visitors.

The first phase of work began yesterday (October 7) from Seals Craig to Hawes Car Park and will run for 8-10 weeks. This will focus on re-surfacing and pavement widening, with minimal traffic management and no reduction in parking throughout this period.

Following a pause during the festive period, the second phase is scheduled to begin in January 2026 and will last for around one year.

This phase will create a new road layout, widen pavements, introduce new disabled, electric vehicle and car club parking, resurface the High Street, narrow Newhalls Road and improve public spaces throughout the area.

There will also be a new westbound segregated cycleway from the Hawes Car Park into the High Street along with a contraflow cycle lane on Edinburgh Road.

More information on the project and wider investment in Queensferry is available on the city council’s website.

Transport and Enviornment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “I’m delighted that we’ve reached this important stage in the transformation of Queensferry High Street, the town centre, and the wider community.

“This ambitious public realm regeneration will create a safer, more accessible, and vibrant environment for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

“Our plans bring high level improvements to the area all whilst preserving and refurbishing elements of Queensferry’s unique historical character. Throughout the planning and development process, we’ve engaged extensively with local residents, businesses and the broader community to ensure their views and needs have been considered.

“This project will secure and revitalise Queensferry High Street’s prosperity for generations to come and I’m very excited to see how works develop over the coming months.”