With demolition across the £1 billion Edinburgh St James site progressing well, TH Real Estate, alongside main contractor Laing O’Rourke, has reaffirmed its commitment to Edinburgh by announcing new investment figures. Continue reading St James Centre redevelopment ‘already making positive economic contribution’
People to have say in the design of their area
Communities across Scotland can bid to take part in a new £325,000 scheme to regenerate their neighbourhood, Local Government Minister Kevin Stewart has announced. The Making Places Initiative will help bring communities together to agree improvements for their area based on local need and priorities.
The expanded scheme has grown from the success of a previous Charette programme which teamed local people with design professionals to look at what would improve their places and communities. This new initiative will continue to offer support for events of this type alongside more comprehensive support to deliver on these ideas.
Minister for Local Government Kevin Stewart said: “From the Borders to the Western Isles, the people who live, work and socialise in our communities have the best local knowledge to consider how that place should evolve and regenerate and I would encourage people across the country to consider applying.
“This new Making Places Initiative allows more opportunities for communities to choose what works for them. It takes the success we’ve seen through community collaboration and increases the focus on encouraging and enabling more and more people to become involved.”
Muirhouse Walkabout
Tuesday 8th August, 1 – 3pm
THE HOARDINGS PROJECT EXHIBITION
Wednesday 28 June 3.30 – 5.30pm
North Edinburgh Arts
Transformation of shopping centre environment takes another step forward
Barton Willmore’s Edinburgh team has secured Planning Permission in Principle on behalf of Robertson Regeneration for the regeneration of the Pennywell and Muirhouse Shopping Centre in North Edinburgh. Continue reading Muirhouse Shopping Centre plans move ahead
A Holyrood committee has called for the public to submit their views on City and Region Deals, as it begins its research into the economic growth deals. Continue reading Are City Region Deals worth the headlines?
Leith Walk Studios are set to receive a £1,280,000 boost to provide develop the space into workplaces for new businesses and creative entrepreneurs. The grant will also see the re-development of the derelict buildings into a new street market initiative, energising Leith Walk and creating a draw for residents and visitors alike. Continue reading £1.28 million to develop Leith Walk hub
End of the road for ‘arms-length’ companies EDI and Waterfront Edinburgh
The City of Edinburgh Council is to change current arrangements for city development by providing a new, in-house one stop shop for developers and investors. Continue reading City development and regeneration: Edinburgh goes in-house
Michelle’s Surgery Cancelled
Michelle Thomson has cancelled her surgery tomorrow (Friday 10 February).
Children’s Clubs
There will be no children’s clubs on at the centre next week due to the school holidays.
Inclusive Zumba Classes
Our Monday morning Zumba classes for disabled persons continue to be very successful but it is felt that more people could take advantage of this fun activity.
Classes are on Monday (10 – 11am) and Friday (10.15 – 11am)
The best way to start a week and getting fit!
Childrens Taekwon Do (Ages 3+)
As with many of our activities the childrens Taekwon-do has surprised us with its popularity amongst the young people, so come along and join Scotlands fastest Family Taekwondo Club led by Master Divine.
IMP Meeting Reminder
Improving Muirhouse and Pennywell meeting next Wednesday 15th February 3.00-5.00pm.. All Welcome.
James McGinty
Views sought for planning modernisation
Plans for major changes to the Scottish planning system have been published. Planning Minister Kevin Stewart launched the consultation during a visit to the Pennywell regeneration development yesterday.
The Scottish Government has set out 20 proposals for revamping the system, which will support economic growth, delivery of houses and increase community involvement in planning decisions. They form a consultation which will pave the way for a planning bill to be brought forward this year.
The proposals build on recommendations of an independent review carried out by a panel of experts last year. Key changes include zoning more land for housing, promoting self-build and removing the need to apply for planning permission for more types of development. The consultation also seeks views on new rights for communities to produce their own plans for their local area.
The Pennywell project will deliver 719 new energy efficient homes for the area with 356 properties for affordable rent and 363 for private sale, and has been a catalyst for wider regeneration through providing infrastructure improvements, local investment, local jobs, training opportunities and community engagement.
Speaking during his visit to the development , Mr Stewart said: “Planning affects everyone’s lives, from making sure we have the right types of homes to driving forward regeneration.
“We need a strong and efficient system to support these aims and for long-term economic growth. I believe these proposals will mean we are better placed to make high quality development happen sooner and in the right places.
“I firmly believe that Scotland’s planners can lead the delivery of great places, empower communities and provide a stable environment for investment through the uncertain times we live in. I would encourage everyone with an interest in planning – developers and businesses, professionals and local authorities, communities and members of the public – to tell us what they think of our proposals for change.”
The consultation, “Places, people and planning” runs until Tuesday 4 April, and can be accessed at https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/planning-architecture/a-consultation-on-the-future-of-planning
