Tag: refurbishment

£21million contract recommended for approval for retrofit and upgrades at Craigmillar and Peffermill Court

Project forms part of the Council’s wider Strategic Investment Plan for high-rise buildings and will bring both blocks up to modern standards

 Thurday’s meeting of the Finance and Resources Committee recommended the approval of a £21 million contract to Kier Construction to deliver a comprehensive retrofit and upgrade programme at Craigmillar Court and Peffermill Court, two 15 floor blocks in East Edinburgh.

Built in 1968, the two floor blocks currently have no insulation, making homes difficult and expensive to heat. The retrofit will introduce extensive external wall insulation, dramatically improving thermal performance and helping homes retain heat more effectively. These upgrades are expected to create warmer living spaces and reduce heating costs for residents throughout the year.

To further improve indoor air quality and tackle long-standing issues with damp and mould, each flat will be fitted with a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) system. This will provide a continuous supply of fresh air while retaining heat, supporting healthier and more comfortable homes.

Other improvements include:

  • fire safety enhancements including installation of new fire doors, sprinkler systems in every flat and a dedicated firefighting lift in each block
  • existing bin chutes will be removed and replaced with a new on-site waste strategy
  • security will also be strengthened through the installation of a comprehensive CCTV system, covering all stairwells and common lobby landings
  • almost all mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) services will be replaced where they have reached the end of their life or are difficult to maintain
  • larger, brighter entrance lobbies, increased natural light and new canopies to provide shelter from the weather. Concierge facilities will be significantly upgraded
  • new and improved shared spaces will encourage interaction between residents and support activities with the wider community, making better use of previously underutilised areas within the buildings.

The surrounding environment will also be transformed, with:

  • additional tree planting
  • relocated and expanded allotments
  • a renovated and improved play park
  • realigned parking and improved access between both blocks
  • new waste and recycling facilities

Craigmillar Court and Peffermill Court each contain 57 two-bedroom homes.

This major investment represents a long-term commitment to improving living conditions, reducing carbon emissions, enhancing safety and creating more welcoming, sustainable communities for current and future residents.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Cllr Tim Pogson, said: This £21 million investment represents a major step forward in improving the quality, safety and sustainability of our high-rise homes.

“By upgrading insulation, ventilation, fire safety and communal spaces, this project will deliver warmer, healthier and more affordable homes for residents, while also ensuring these buildings are fit for the future.”

Kitchen upgrade for Pilton Retreat thanks to rugby charity Wooden Spoon

We would like to thank the Wooden Spoon Charity for their very generous funding towards the upgrade of our kitchen at Pilton Retreat in Ratho (writes LESLEY ROSS).

The kitchen has been well used over the years and was dated and in need of repair. This funding has transformed the kitchen.

It was officially opened on Friday by Roger Baird, former Scotland International rugby player.

What a great afternoon it was meeting members of the Wooden Spoon, talking about the work of MYDG and all the groups that visit and stay at Pilton Retreat.

It was a chance to showcase the facility and talk about the importance of the centre for children, young people and their families in particular those from the North Edinburgh area.

We spoke about the history of Pilton Retreat and we hope this afternoon has raised the profile of the centre – we have grown our contacts and partnership opportunities and the chance of more funding in the future from a range of sources.

What a great afternoon it was !!!.   

Lesley Ross (Manager Pilton Retreat)

Developer Vivere reveals Extra Care Home Development Plans

EXTRA CARE DEVELOPER VIVERE UNVEILS PLANS TO BUILD c200 NEW HOMES IN EDINBURGH OVER NEXT 5 – 7 YEARS TO HELP MEET HOUSING DEMAND

Extra care developer-operator Vivere plans to build a portfolio of extra care communities in and around Edinburgh over the next 5-7 years, providing circa 200 new extra care homes with high-quality on-site amenities and care services. 

Starting the portfolio, Vivere has just acquired from St George’s School the 2.2 acre Lansdowne House site on Coltbridge Terrace in Edinburgh, and plans to transform this into the brand’s first community of high quality new extra care homes in the city. 

Vivere plan to invest some £25 million in the refurbishment and restoration of the listed buildings on the site and the construction of the new community.  

Subject to planning consent, the Lansdowne House scheme will provide a combination of refurbished heritage and newly built homes, alongside spectacular communal lounges and amenities created within the historic main Victorian villa on the site, originally built in 1875 as Coltbridge Hall and was previously owned by a number of notable Edinburgh residents over the years. 

It will be the first in a series of extra care projects that Vivere are planning for central Edinburgh. 

As part of their expansion plans Vivere are currently looking to acquire other sites in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife. The business is looking to purchase sites that can provide between 50 to 80 homes, for either new build, converted properties, or a combination. The sites for review being in established residential addresses, ideally with proximity to local public transport and amenities.

Vivere was formed by a joint venture between Probitas, a specialist in extra care and senior living homes, and Stephenson Group, a leading contractor and mixed-use investor-developer founded in 1962 with offices in Scotland, England and Wales.

Vivere is led by Co-Founding Director Scott Curran, who was born in Edinburgh and is a qualified architect from the School of Art in Edinburgh. Scott has worked in Edinburgh for CDA, PJMP, Balfour Beatty, MACE, and Applecross.

Alongside Scott is Co-Founding Director Beatrix Lehnert, with both directors having over 30 years of expertise in residential, commercial, BtR and PBSA projects, with the past 13 years focused on the assisted living sector.

Vivere business partner and Co-founding Director Martin Stephenson is the Chairman of Stephenson Group which is a market leader in construction and property development with an annual turnover in excess of £100 million (Source: 2024/25 accounts).

To deliver the new communities in Edinburgh Vivere is working with award winning Scottish based architectural practices, planning consultants and landscape consultants.

For the Lansdowne House site in Edinburgh Vivere has appointed award winning Scottish architectural practice CDA Edinburgh, landscape architects Rankinfraser, and Edinburgh based planning and heritage consultants Montagu Evans to help prepare proposals for the new community. 

With its award winning professional team, the brand will focus on creating and delivering a portfolio of high-quality extra care living communities designed for where residents can enjoy their life and age in place, supported by appropriate on-site amenities and care services for a healthier life and wellbeing. 

This fully aligns with the Scottish Government’s ambition to both raise life expectancy in Scotland and the number of years that people can spend in good health, supported by both suitable properties to live in and the services to assist their needs.

Scott Curran, Co-Founding Director of Vivere says: “It is our aim to create a portfolio of high-quality extra care living communities in Scotland, commencing in Edinburgh. These will be high quality homes, alongside on-site amenities and tailored care services to suit resident’s needs.

“Our aim is for our residents to live longer, not grow old. The provision of extra care communities will help to relieve local pressures on NHS services, as well as providing homes to the hugely undersupplied housing sector in Scotland.”  

Martin Stephenson, Chairman of Stephenson Group and Co-founding director of Vivere said: “Scotland, like the rest of the UK, has an overwhelming demand to provide housing with care and services to a large and fast-growing older demographic, but with the key difference for Scotland currently being the huge lack of supply of these tailored homes and services within the housing sector.

“With its development plans Vivere aims to provide a quality product to the market and help to meet the demands in the sector.” 

Vivere Co-Founding Director Beatrix Lehnert added: “The forming of Vivere represents significant new long-term investment and job creation in the Edinburgh economy. 

“Alongside delivering best-in-class extra care schemes, our approach is to partner with Scottish businesses, suppliers and operators who are local leaders in their field to provide the care services and amenities for our new communities.

“This way Vivere will help to create new jobs and investment in Edinburgh alongside the construction jobs generated by the building of our new projects.”

For further information on Vivere visit: www.vivere-scotland.com

Blind community hub reopens in Edinburgh

The Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland (RNIB Scotland) has officially reopened its centre on Hillside Crescent in Edinburgh. The newly refurbished office offers a modern and accessible space for the blind and partially sighted community, volunteers, supporters and staff to use.  

The Hillside office had temporarily closed for renovation in November 2023, although many of the charity’s services continued to operate throughout this period. The refurbishment has been part of the charity’s continued work to ensure its support and services are robust, future-facing and consistently meeting the needs of people with sight loss. 

The facilities in Abbeyhill now include Café VI – a welcoming café serving the local community, a Product and Advice store offering accessible aids and equipment, and a multi-use community space which hosts various social, leisure and peer-support groups. 

Thursday’s launch event welcomed members of the blind and partially sighted community, volunteers, supporters, and staff.

The ribbon was officially cut by Kirin Saeed, Chair of the RNIB Scotland Advisory Group, following speeches from James Adams, Director of RNIB Scotland; Matt Stringer, RNIB Chief Executive; and Sarah Boyack MSP.

Kirin Saeed says: ““Having an accessible space like this in the heart of Edinburgh makes a real difference.

“Whether it’s grabbing a coffee, getting advice on equipment, or meeting with others who share similar experiences, this hub brings people together and supports us in living independently. I can’t wait to meet new and old friends.” 

Later in the day, a smaller, private gathering marked the naming of the new Sandra Wilson Boardroom, in memory of Sandra Wilson, former Chair of RNIB Scotland (2015–2021), who passed away in August 2024. 

RNIB Scotland Director, James Adams, says: ““Thanks to Sandra’s leadership Scotland is a more accessible place for blind and partially sighted people than it otherwise would have been.

“Dedicating this space in her name is a small way of honouring her legacy.” 

Matt Stringer, Chief Executive Officer of RNIB says: ““We’re delighted to open this fantastic new community facility in Edinburgh. It demonstrates RNIB’s ongoing commitment to delivering first-class services for blind and partially sighted people. 

“As a charity, we believe the world should be accessible to everyone. This investment reflects our values and our continued determination to help build a more inclusive society.” 

Grand celebration as Tumbles at Portobello reopens following refurbishment

Tumbles Soft Play at Portobello has reopened following a refurbishment that has transformed the much-loved venue into a dynamic new world of adventure—Explorer Island.

The reopening was marked with a special celebration attended by friends, family, and the 15 winners of the recent sandcastle photo competition.

These lucky young adventurers were treated to an exclusive party, complete with fun activities, party bags, and the honour of being the first to explore the reimagined play space.

As part of the festivities, the Tumbles team selected 15 “Star Guests”—children from across different age groups—who joined beloved characters Emma, Fox, and Squirrel on their first expedition through the upgraded soft play environment.

“Our Explorer Island is a whole world of fun—an island where anything is possible, and adventure awaits,” said Ashliegh Murray, Manager at Tumbles. “We’re so excited to welcome families back to a space that’s been designed to spark imagination, creativity, and active play.”

The refurbishment is part of Edinburgh Leisure’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive spaces for children and families.

Key upgrades at Tumbles include:

  • New light and video features in the baby and toddler zones
  • A reconfigured layout for enhanced play experiences
  • Upgraded versions of favourite features
  • Extended café seating with fixed options
  • New flooring throughout the soft play and café areas
  • A refreshed reception area
  • A redecorated birthday party room for the return of celebration packages

Tumbles is one of three soft play centres operated by Edinburgh Leisure, a charity dedicated to helping everyone in the city lead more active, healthy lives. With over 30 facilities across Edinburgh, the organisation continues to invest in spaces that inspire movement, imagination, and community connection.

Open 7 days a week from 09.15 – 17.00, Tumbles offers wonderful adventures for kids aged 0 – 10 with designated baby, toddler and junior play areas.

For more information about Tumbles at Portobello and upcoming events, visit: 

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/tumbles-soft-play/

Botanics: Big changes at Gateway Cafe

🍴 Big changes are coming to the Gateway Café! While renovations are underway to create a fresh new look, the café counters will be closed from tomorrow until the end of March.

But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered:

– The Gateway Café is still open in a reduced capacity. Enjoy a selection of sandwiches and baked goods from our pop-up in the café, accessible via the decking outside the Gateway 🌞

– Your favourite drinks and sweet treats are available at our pop-up downstairs in the John Hope Gateway ☕

– Delicious hot food is just a stone’s throw away at the Terrace Café 🥪

We can’t wait to welcome you to our new space – here’s a sneak peek (above)

P.S. Even more exciting dining updates coming your way soon!

Scottish architecture and design studio appointed for refurbishment of Fringe Central

Studio LBA has been appointed as architect by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society for the refurbishment and creation of a multi-purpose space for the Fringe Society, Fringe artists and community partners.  

The Fringe Society is currently spread across three buildings in Edinburgh but their commitment to access for all, carbon reduction and the need for greater efficiency, means these offices are no longer fit for purpose and the charity requires a public-facing home that offers a welcome to the whole Fringe community.  

The complex conservation and development project will include the refurbishment of the category B-listed building on 6 Infirmary Street, in the Old Town of Edinburgh to create a multi-purpose space for the Fringe Central services and stories.  

The site on 6 Infirmary Street dates back to 1736 but updates to insulation, and accessibility such as the addition of air source heat pumps, accessible toilets, entrance ramp and internal lift are essential to align the building with modern day sustainability measures.

Works are also crucial in the charity’s ambition to make the Fringe a net zero carbon event by 2030.  

Studio LBA has a trusted reputation for delivering design-led, innovative and sustainable solutions across Scotland throughout its 12 years in business.  Its client base spans master-planning, placemaking, residential, hospitality, culture and conservation.  

Lynsay Bell Manson, managing director at Studio LBA, said: “We’ve worked on a number of specialist conservation projects and it is fantastic to be appointed by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society to play our part in restoring and modernising a historic building.   

“Our design approach is sensitive to the cherished history of the building, so our plans focus on preserving the existing character, whilst upgrading the building’s fabric and accessibility.  

“Given the net zero targets for Scotland we’ll be adopting a low energy approach to retrofitting the existing building using sustainable materials and adding more energy efficient solutions throughout. We’ll also maintain flexibility for the future in our design to ensure the space can adapt to the changing needs of the charity and the Fringe for years to come.”   

Shona McCarthy, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, adds: “Through funding from the UK Government we’re delighted that we are able to move forward with the long-held ambition of a new, accessible home for the Fringe Society which will benefit artists, community partners and the Fringe through a range of enhanced services throughout the year.  

“We’re delighted to be working with Studio LBA on this project and can’t wait to open the doors to the new permanent Fringe Central later next year.” 

Alongside Studio LBA as the architect, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has appointed a design team of Thomas & Adamson as project manager, Montagu Evans as heritage consultant, Will Rudd Davidson as structural engineer and Wallace Whittle as mechanical and electrical engineer.  

Granton Gasholder: Latest stage of refurbishment completed

The scaffolding has been removed from the iconic Granton Gasholder as works to refurbish the structure now known as ‘Gas Holder 1’ are complete.

The public park being created within the gasholder frame is also on track to be finished by the end of the year.  

The work, part of the City of Edinburgh Council’s £1.3bn regeneration of the wider area, has been carried out by McLaughlin & Harvey using £16.4m from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. In addition, the Scottish Government provided £1.2m for a new high quality park as part of their Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme. 

The new green space will have multi-sensory play zones, a dedicated area for permanent and temporary public art, a relaxation space, outdoor trails and tracks for exercise as well as a large outdoor area for sports, markets, seasonal events, community use, festivals, performance arts, exhibitions and play. Work is also being carried out to plant trees, shrubs and wildflowers improving biodiversity and local habitat in the area. 

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “It’s exciting to see the iconic structure free from scaffolding. It has been part of Edinburgh’s skyline for over 120 years so its restoration at the centre of our £1.3bn regeneration of the area is a spectacular focal point.

“We previously shared the dramatic footage of the original bell within the structure being ripped apart by machinery. It marked a historic moment as the park is being transformed to serve a completely different purpose for the local community who will be able to enjoy arts, sports and culture there for years to come.  

“Work on the park within the structure continues and I’m looking forward to seeing ‘Gas Holder 1’ open to great fanfare in the coming months.”

Graham Brown, Senior Contracts Manager from McLaughlin & Harvey said: “Taking down the last section of scaffolding marks an important milestone in this complex project.

“We had to design and engineer a scaffolding structure that was robust, safe and able to bear the wind loading. It gave us the platform to blast off existing paintwork before carrying out thousands of individual steel repairs on the frame to ensure it is structurally sound.

“We finished off the frame with four new coats of paint, the majority of which was applied by hand. It’s been a pleasure working with the City of Edinburgh Council and our supply chain to give a new lease of life to this historical landmark and contribute to the regeneration of the area.

“We’re looking forward to handing it over and seeing the local community benefitting from it for years to come.”

Fascinating gasholder facts

  • Over 100K rivets holding the structure together.
  • Total cost of original construction £18,968.
  • Was opened in 1901, making it 122 years old.
  • It’s since been painted 72 times, with four new coats applied during the project.
  • 26 columns in total with a height of 44m. Each column is 9.3m apart.
  • Granton was one of 12 gas storage tanks for the greater Edinburgh area. These 12 tanks had a combined capacity of 175,000 cubic meters of storage. At the time they were in operation the demand was around 28,000 cubic meters an hour (at its peak).
  • The lowest tier was erected with the use of a steam locomotive crane.

Further information on Granton Waterfront regeneration 

The £1.3bn regeneration project at Granton Waterfront is using brownfield land to build a new sustainable 20-minute neighbourhood which is well linked to surrounding communities and is somewhere residents will be proud to live. Tenants recently started moving into the first completed development of environmentally friendly affordable homes, with thousands more planned for the area.

Active travel routes are now open and restoration of the former Granton Station building and public square is now complete with Wasps operating the building as a creative industries shared work space.

Alongside this, The Pitt will begin operating out of the recently renovated 20 West Shore Road early in 2025.

Crewe Road homes get climate ready as Council improves social housing

Hundreds of homes in Edinburgh are undergoing major energy upgrades – helping to tackle fuel poverty and carbon emissions in some of the city’s most deprived areas.

Edinburgh’s ambitious multi-million-pound retrofitting roll-out and mixed tenure improvements will make council homes ‘net zero ready’ in the coming years, with measures such as external wall insulation and solar panels being installed to improve living standards in many low-rise buildings and multi-storey blocks. 

Marking the Council’s latest set of insulation upgrades, the Housing, Homeless and Fair Work Convener Jane Meagher visited tenants in the North of the city to see how their homes have been transformed.

Along Crewe Road North and Crewe Road Gardens, at least £2.23 million has been invested this year towards making 90 homes in mixed tenure buildings warmer and cheaper to heat. The vast majority of these (70) are Council homes.

Funded by a mix of EES/ABS grants, owner contributions and Council funding, properties in the area have benefited from external wall insulation and in many cases replacement roofing, with all works delivered by Insulated Render Systems (IRS) in partnership with the Council, Changeworks and Home Energy Scotland.

Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “It’s hard to describe the huge difference these measures will make: to the fabric and warmth of these homes, to people’s fuel bills and to the environment, and of course to the lives of everyone who lives in them now and in the future.

“By bringing these older homes up to a newer energy efficiency standard, we’re not only driving down carbon emissions, we’re clamping down on issues like damp and fuel poverty. It’s complex work but it’s vital because it prioritises our tenants and their living standards.

“It has been a pleasure to meet with some of the residents and to hear their feedback and I’m pleased to see the real difference the building work is making. The works taking place along Crewe Road are an indication of more upgrades to come. Just think what we could achieve if we were to receive the funding we need to roll this programme out even further, to improve even more of our tenants’ homes?

“I’m grateful to the partners involved in supporting this roll-out and to our tenants, whose rents help towards paying for improvements to council homes alongside grant funding. Edinburgh faces a Housing Emergency and we need to tackle it together.”

Josiah Lockhart, Chief Executive of Changeworks, said: “Changeworks has worked in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council on a number of EES ABS projects and it’s great to see the fabric improvements made to properties here on Crewe Road.

“Ongoing high energy costs mean that these energy efficiency projects make a real difference to householders, helping them stay warm and save energy as well as reducing carbon emissions.”

Green measures have also been installed to homes in Gilmerton, where over 180 eligible private home owners and tenants are benefitting from £2.5 million investment over two years towards solar PV panels and battery energy storage, external wall insulation and upgrades to the look of buildings. Future upgrades with Changeworks are also planned for homes in the Liberton area in the year ahead.

Elsewhere in the city, at least £2.2 million has been invested by the Council to transform a block of 36 homes in Oxgangs into a modern looking, sustainable building with upgrades to the roof and coverings, external walls, stairwells, and common landings.

The Council is now looking to undertake a whole house retrofit of the multistorey blocks May and Gunnet and is carrying out design work for blocks in Leith, Mixed tenure improvements also taking place in Lochend, Restalrig and in Wester Hailes.

Planning application submitted for refurbishment of Edinburgh’s Calton Square office building

A planning application for the proposed refurbishment of the Calton Square office building, currently home to Baillie Gifford, has been submitted to City of Edinburgh Council by Ardstone Capital on behalf of the building owners.

The vision for Calton Square is to create a best-in-class office building, comparable to the best in Europe, with the best possible Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) standards and lowest carbon footprint.

Located at the top of Leith Walk, the scheme provides almost 200,000 sq ft of office accommodation, with a number of roof terraces, co-working areas and a striking internal atrium that has the potential to act as an auditorium. 

Fronting onto Leith Street the building, which dates from the 1990s, needs updating and to refurbish it will require significant remodelling and intervention. This includes replacing many elements of the existing asset including windows, façade, lifts and entrances.

However, much of the existing structure will be retained, with materials re-used on site or recycled.

Sustainability and net zero objectives have been established as a key consideration, delivering first class energy and environmental performance standards, with best-in-class ESG ratings. The current green roofscape and gardens will be enhanced, with a courtyard or atrium space provided in the centre of the building.

Commenting on this, Craig McDonald, Principal and Managing Director of Ardstone Capital UK, acting as development manager on behalf of the owner and its advisory team, said: “We are delighted to be submitting the planning application for Calton Square to City of Edinburgh Council.

“The dialogue with the Council and other stakeholders has been very productive, and the application seeks to deliver an office building comparable to the best in Europe, which will serve Edinburgh well into the future.

“With the highest environmental performance standards, and the lowest possible carbon footprint, this refurbished building will seek to deliver improved ground floor activity and accessibility.

“Calton Square will address the recognised demand for top quality office space in the capital, while making an important contribution to the city, and we look to continue engaging with the Council and local community as the application progresses through the planning process.”