20-Minute Neighbourhoods: focus on Gorgie Dalry ‘town centre’

Edinburgh’s 20-Minute Neighbourhoods strategy is progressing a programme of engagement across local town centres and high streets in the city, with a new focus on Gorgie Dalry. 

In partnership with local communities and businesses across Edinburgh, the City of Edinburgh Council is working to develop a network of healthier, greener and thriving neighbourhoods where everyone can access key services and amenities by a short walk, wheel, cycle or trip on public transport.

A key part of delivering this 20-Minute Neighbourhoods strategy is improving local town centres and high streets which provide many of the essential facilities and services that people need easy access to.

The Council’s City Mobility Plan identifies a need for Edinburgh’s town centres to be more liveable places with reduced car dependency, improved active travel connections and quality public spaces for everyone.

The initial engagement to prepare a plan for Gorgie Dalry town centre has been designed to roll out alongside planned road renewal projects to minimise potential disruption. It will start by focussing on Dalry and local schools, before looking at Gorgie in more detail in the future. 

Local residents in Gorgie Dalry are now being invited to share their thoughts on how the area around Dalry Road could be improved. Participants have the option of sharing their views either online or in person at a series of local events. 

An online survey is available until 15 January, 2023, where residents can feed back on specific parts of Dalry and the area around Tynecastle High School. They can also share their views on how they currently experience the area, what they think is good and what could be better.

The 20-Minute Neighbourhoods team will also be available to speak with local people at the corner of Dalry Road and Easter Dalry Road on the afternoons of Thursday, 1 and Saturday, 3 December. Further engagement with Dalry Primary School and Tynecastle High School students, businesses and community groups is planned over the coming weeks. 

Work is well underway on progressing the town centre and high street strategy elsewhere across the city, including in Leith, Craigmillar, Muirhouse and Queensferry. 

Plans for future improvements to Portobello, Corstorphine, Stockbridge and Bruntsfield and Morningside town centres, will be progressed to take account of the Our Future Streets framework and associated action plans once they have been agreed.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “20-minute neighbourhoods are a new way of thinking for Edinburgh and our local town centres and high streets are at the very heart of many people’s local lives, so they are a natural starting point for this exciting strategy. 

“It is clear that these spaces could be much better at serving the daily needs of residents, businesses and other organisations, particularly by being easier for everyone to move around. They should also have identity and purpose, supporting local employment opportunities and providing an inclusive economy. 

“Each neighbourhood in the city is different, with its own unique set of requirements. That’s why it’s so important that local communities participate in this process to help us understand everyone’s needs and make sure their views shape the neighbourhood approach.

“I hope we hear from as many people as possible on how their town centre could be better for them. This is a fantastic opportunity for local people to help set a new direction for these areas so that they are more welcoming and benefit the health, wellbeing and pockets of people across the city.

Ultimately, this strategy is aiming to deliver more sustainable, inclusive places, improve access to quality services and empower local communities across Edinburgh.

Neglected: Drylaw Shopping Centre

The 20-Minute Neighbourhood strategy was launched in June 2021. Its vision is to enable a net zero Edinburgh where everyone can live well locally. 

The city needs this level of ambition to achieve a significant shift away from longer journeys to active travel and meet its net zero carbon target. It will help to create more social, inclusive and accessible places. This will also support physical and mental wellbeing and help to end poverty in Edinburgh.

Residential-led proposals for Ocean Point 2 in Leith revealed by Harrison

Property developer S Harrison Developments have revealed ‘exciting proposals’ for a residential-led development at Ocean Point 2 in Leith.

Neighbouring Ocean Point 1, whose occupiers include VisitScotland,  the brownfield site will aim to comprise a mix of residential homes for rent alongside other potential uses, which are currently being ascertained. These will occupy two buildings on the site.

Located in Leith, voted in October 2021 by Time Out as one of the “world’s coolest neighbourhoods”, the proposed development is conveniently situated just two miles from Edinburgh city centre and is likely to be attractive to those seeking to live and work in the area, taking advantage of local shops, bars, restaurants and cafés.

The tram line extension between Edinburgh and Ocean Terminal will also provide connectivity between the development and the city centre within 20 minutes.

Two public exhibitions on the proposals will take place on Tuesday 13th December and Thursday 9th February between 2pm and 7pm at Ocean Terminal.

Further information will also be posted on the website at:

www.oceanpoint2.com

Harrison has a long pedigree of working in the city, ranging from delivering the Malmaison at St Andrew Square to student developments at Westfield and Gorgie and hotel development at Osborne House, Haymarket.

A spokesperson for Harrison Developments commented: “We are extremely excited to reveal our proposals for this brownfield site. There are serious demands on housing supply in the city and this is a superb location in what has been voted one of the world’s ‘coolest neighbourhoods’.

“The proposals will significantly assist in the regeneration of this part of the city and we look forward to engaging with the local community, providing it with the opportunity to input their views and shape our ambitious proposals.”

Green light for gasometer restoration

Restoration work will now begin on the iconic gasholder, which sits at the heart of a planned new sustainable coastal town at Granton Waterfront.

A report approved by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Finance and Resources Committee yesterday (10 November) recommended McLaughlin & Harvey Limited carry out the work, which it’s anticipated will start in January and is due for completion in 2024.

The future vision for the space within the restored gasholder is to have multi-sensory play zones, a dedicated space for permanent and temporary public art, relaxation area, outdoor trails and tracks for exercise as well as using a large outdoor space for sports, markets, seasonal events, community use, festivals, performance arts, exhibitions and play.

Work will also be carried out to plant trees, shrubs and wildflowers improving biodiversity and local habitat in the area.

Council leader Cammy Day said: “I’m delighted with the committee decision. Our plan is to transform the structure, the centrepiece of our £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront, into a visitor destination with high quality open space for everyone to enjoy.

“Using money received from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund the contractor can crack on now and get spades in the ground to do the restoration work required and we’re in the process of trying to secure the additional funding we need to deliver the high quality open space element. We’ve also submitted a planning application for this exciting next stage to make sure we’re ready to go ahead when we get the funding that we need.

“The wider regeneration is about using brownfield land to develop a sustainable 20-minute neighbourhood it’s residents will be proud of. It will be an area where people live in affordable environmentally friendly homes, have excellent transport and active travel links and access to lots of open and green space, arts, sports and culture. Restoring the gasholder is the first step in unlocking the wider regeneration.”

The project will benefit from £16.4m from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Community Chest: regeneration specialist offers £3000 grant for Pennywell initiatives

A new fund, known as the ‘Creative Community Chest’ has launched which will support micro projects in Pennywell, Edinburgh and is established in partnership with North Edinburgh Arts and the OneCity Trust. 

The initiative which has been established as part of the Pennywell Living development has been created by regeneration experts Urban Union with the City of Edinburgh Council. Scottish charities and community groups located in the North Edinburgh Arts membership area are being asked to apply for one of 10 grants of £300, that can be used to deliver creative and engaging content for the local community.  

The governance, monitoring and oversight of grant distribution will be undertaken by the office of the OneCity Trust.  The mission of the OneCity Trust is to fight inequality and exclusion in the City of Edinburgh.  

Neil McKay, Managing Director, Urban Union, said: “At Urban Union we specialise in delivering new homes equipped for modern community living, but investing in these communities is just as important.  

“We know that by working with residents, charities, and local groups we can help to create welcoming places to live and make a real difference to people’s lives.”  

Kate Wimpress, Director, North Edinburgh Arts, said: “North Edinburgh Arts has worked with Urban Union for almost a decade, delivering creativity in the community and enhancing the local area.

“With support from the OneCity Trust, these fantastic individual projects allow us to build community engagement, we look forward to seeing these creative ideas come to fruition.” 

Urban Union has developed 134 new homes and apartments as part of Phase 3 works at Pennywell Living and has been working in conjunction with the City of Edinburgh Council since 2014 to regenerate Pennywell, creating a vibrant residential area.  

Councillor Jane Meagher, Edinburgh’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Our regeneration of North Edinburgh is a major project for the people of Pennywell and Muirhouse and a great success story.

“It’s all about working together to improve lives, tackle poverty and inequality in the area and create beautiful new homes and community spaces residents can be proud of.  

“It is great news, then, that our contractors are making this pot of money available through the OneCity Trust to local projects and charities which also promote social inclusion. The whole project provides a perfect example of community empowerment, showing how great value can be added to an area when involving those who know it best.” 

The application form to apply for a £300 grant is available to download here. 

Please complete the application form and send to elaine@onecitytrust.com along with the associated documentation noted on page 2 of the application form. If you have any questions, please contact Elaine McCafferty – OneCity Trust at elaine.mccafferty@onecitytrust.com or telephone (0131) 469 3856 

Final homes available from Phase Three at Pennywell Living

Prospective buyers hoping to reserve a property at the popular Pennywell Living development in Edinburgh will need to move fast, as there is only a small collection of apartments left that are ready to call home. 

The remaining apartments are available at the north Edinburgh development, which is delivered by regeneration specialists Urban Union, after the final batch of houses in Phase 3 sold out in 2 weeks.     

Currently available is the ‘Adam’, a two-bedroom apartment perfect for those looking for their first home or looking to downsize. Starting from £191,995, this home features a bright open-plan kitchen and living area, perfect for entertaining friends. The main bedroom is spacious and comes complete with an en-suite. There is plenty of storage area including fitted wardrobes and a separate utility cupboard. 

Also ideal for first-time buyers, the ‘Ross’ is a one-bedroom second floor apartment offering a large open plan living and kitchen space starting from £169,995. With contemporary specification and energy efficient living, the ‘Ross’ offers excellent storage space and is completed with a modern bathroom.  

Located only a few miles from Edinburgh city centre, Pennywell Living is in a prime position to make the most of the many shops, bars and restaurants the capital has to offer. Also, with great local primary and secondary schools, and a wealth of useful amenities in the area, the development is perfect for young professionals and families alike.   

Neil McKay Managing Director at Urban Union, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the past sales success at Pennywell. Given how popular properties have been at the development we really don’t expect these apartments to be around for long and we encourage potential buyers to come down to the development and get a feel for the properties in person as soon as possible. 

“Prospective buyers will be amazed by the spacious apartments available which offer the home comforts and efficiencies you would expect from a brand-new home, and so much more.” 

Every Urban Union home is highly energy efficient and is completed with all the features necessary for modern life, including high-quality, fully integrated kitchens and bathrooms, plenty of storage space and spacious living areas perfect for those looking for a place to call home. 

Apartments at Pennywell Living are available to reserve now with just £99 reservation fee.

For further information visit the Urban Union website, call07940 992182 or email:

pennywellliving@urbanunionltd.co.uk  

Consultation launches for homes-led redevelopment of former Deutsche Bank offices at Crewe Toll

A public consultation for the homes-led redevelopment of one of Edinburgh city centre’s largest potential development sites is to be launched later this month. 

Regeneration specialists Artisan Real Estate has formed a joint venture company with fund manager REInvest Asset Management to redevelop the former Deutsche Bank House at 525 Ferry Road, Edinburgh, near the Crewe Toll roundabout. 

The office and data-processing centre was formerly the Scottish base for State Street Bank until the building was vacated by the bank in 2018.  

Over recent years the building has housed a number of charities including EVOC, SHE Scotland and People Know How.

Consultation for the site, to be known as 525 Park View, will begin with a drop-in public meeting on Saturday 28 October, at Fetlor Youth Club on Crewe Road South, between 12 noon and 4 pm.

The open session will allow members of the local community to meet the design team behind the proposed project, which includes Edinburgh-based 7N Architects.  

Follow-up design workshops are also planned before the end of the year, with a full presentation of the final scheme, ahead of any planning submission, anticipated for early 2023.

A project website www.525parkview.co.uk has been set up to provide more details of the project proposals and the ongoing consultation process. All presentation boards will be published on the website within 48 hours of each event, with an opportunity to comment and feedback. 

Welcoming the consultation launch, Artisan’s Regional Director for Scotland, David Westwater, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to create a long-term sustainable future for what is a predominantly redundant building and bringing a new community to an accessible city centre site. 

“Our initial ideas will be guided by sustainability and low-carbon design and encompass a mix of development, led mainly by residential as well as much-needed affordable housing and ancillary commercial uses.” 

Artisan Real Estate has a strong track record in delivering complex residential and mixed-use regeneration projects in sensitive city centre environments across the UK.  This includes the award-winning “New Waverley” in Edinburgh’s Old Town and the current Rowanbank Gardens homes development to the west of the city, described as a ‘spectacular blueprint for low carbon living’. 

REInvest Asset Management was founded in Luxembourg as a specialist for future-facing investment ideas and currently manages and develops properties across Europe with a value in excess of EUR 2.3 billion. 525 Park View is held in a progressive property fund within a pan-European portfolio managed on behalf of a German insurance group. 

Thomas Merkes, Head of Asset Management at REInvest Asset Management added: “Our joint venture partnership with Artisan represents a major step forward in providing an innovative and collaborative mixed-use development solution to unlock the potential for this significant city centre site, which is set to create a genuinely transformational development in an accessible city centre location. 

“We are looking forward to the launch of the consultation which will provide the perfect platform to show how we can make a positive contribution to the local area, bringing investment, life and excitement back to this important part of the Capital.” 

For more information on Artisan Real Estate visit: www.artisanrealestate.co.uk

For more information on REInvest Asset Management, visit: www.reinvest-am.lu/en 

PoLHA wins commendation at the Herald Property Awards 2022 for Heron Place development

Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) has won a commendation at the Herald Property Awards 2022 in the Affordable Housing Development of the Year category (sponsored by NHBC) for its Heron Place development.

Heron Place was also shortlisted for the Scottish Home Awards 2022 and nominated for Architecture: Regeneration Heron Place at the Scottish Design Awards 2022.

The development situated at Granton Harbour consists of 46 homes for social rent, including two wheelchair accessible flats, and 58 homes for mid market rent. The construction and design team comprised of CCG (Scotland) Ltd, architects Hackland and Dore, structural engineer Bayne Stevenson Associates Ltd and M&E engineer The Keenan Consultancy.

The Herald Property Awards for Scotland 2022 honoured the achievements of Scotland’s most innovative and successful home and commercial builders, developers, agents, interior designers and registered social landlords. The awards took place on Thursday, September 29 at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.

The Affordable Housing Development of the Year category was open to registered social housing providers, charities, trusts or public bodies in partnership with a local authority and/or a developer for rent and/or shared ownership.

The judges were looking for evidence of how the development has impacted positively on the lives of local residents and contributed towards the regeneration of the area. Consideration was given to the use of sustainable materials and building techniques, as well as the development’s impact on the local environment.

Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive of PoLHA, said: “We’re proud that Heron Place is thriving within the Granton waterfront community with sustainable, affordable homes and brilliant communities.

“Receiving a commendation for Best Affordable Housing Development at the Herald Property Awards on top of our shortlist at the Scottish Home Awards 2022 is incredible rewarding.”

Meadowbank Archaeology Open Day this Saturday

As part of the wider regeneration of Meadowbank, the site of the former St Margaret’s Locomotive Railway Depot and Works is being excavated and preserved for archaeological posterity.

The site at Meadowbank is being redeveloped to make way for a new housing development which will become one of the Capital’s “greenest neighbourhoods” by incorporating low-car, low-carbon infrastructure with energy efficient homes.

Members of the public will be able to drop-in to see the work of AOC Archaeology at the remains of the St Margaret’s Locomotive Engine turntable between 10am and 4pm this Saturday 27 August.

The turntable is one of the earliest examples of a its kind and a rare archaeological survival dating from the earliest days of the development of Britain’s Railways. The c.20m diameter structure was at the core of the St Margaret’s works and was used to store up to 14 railway-engines at a time awaiting repair.

This free event will provide an opportunity for members of the community to learn about this part of Edinburgh’s industrial heritage, before parts of the site are preserved and showcased as part of the Council’s public green space design for new homes in Meadowbank.

Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said:It feels appropriate, somehow, that we’re transforming what must have been one of the most polluted parts of the city into one of the greenest neighbourhoods in Edinburgh!

“We’re excavating the area because we’re investing in the future of Meadowbank, building affordable eco-friendly new homes next to our state-of-the-art new sports centre, which has also been built in line with our ambitious target to reach net-zero emissions by 2030.

“It’s really fascinating to get a glimpse of the area’s past as we do this. Wherever we build in Edinburgh, others have gone before us and in this case it’s quite the trip through time – to the 1970s when the original Meadowbank Stadium was built, to the 1960s when coal powered engines had mainly been replaced by electric lines and the old engine shed shut down, all the way back to the 1840s and the dawn of Edinburgh’s first railway lines.

“Council officers are working with local people to look at how we might be able to memorialise some of the findings, which I think is fantastic. They hope to be able to keep parts of the wheel on show and create a focal point for residents who move into the 675 new homes being built for sale and rent, at least 35% of which will be affordable and a number fully wheelchair adapted.

“We’re also creating community amenities too, with space for a new GP surgery and shops, at least 14 new job positions and seven apprenticeships, active travel routes through to Restalrig and over £100,000 in community benefit donations by contractors to local groups.

The Council’s Archaeologist, John Lawson, said:The remains of the engine turntable are a rare survival and take us back to the beginnings of our Victorian Railways in the 1840’s.

“The turntable in use until the closure of the works in 1967 formed part of one of the most important Locomotive works on the East Coast of Scotland. Our work with AOC Archaeology will help us not only to understand both the development of the structure but will also give us a window into the day to day hard work of our railway engineers during the age of steam.

“We regard these remains as being of potentially national archaeological significance and these investigations will help us in preserving and interpreting the remains within the new development.

“We know from our earlier consultations with the local community that the history of the former St Margaret’s Works is important. It is therefore an exciting opportunity for us to open up the excavations to the public on 27 August. “

Lindsay Dunbar, Fieldwork Project Manager at AOC Archaeology, said:The St. Margaret’s Railway Depot and Workshop was the largest railway depot in Edinburgh and for well over 100 years, from 1845 until its closure in 1967, was a focal point within Edinburgh.

“In its heyday the yards could have had over 200 steam locomotives on site. The works would have employed a large number of the local populace as engineers and workers keeping them busy on site with maintenance of the locomotives and running gear with numerous workshops for truck building, carriage building, wheel rights, metal working, joiners, painters as well as offices and stores.

“Much of the activity would have been focused around the turntable and the associated engine sheds. It is amazing to think how this now empty brownfield site was such a hive of industrial activity and these excavation works are looking to expose what remains of the long demolished turntable which had been crucial to the running of the depot.”

Tony Jervis, from the Scottish Industrial Heritage Society (SIHS), said:St Margaret’s Works was the chief railway depot in South-East Scotland, so it is exciting to hear that the turntable has been uncovered and is to be conserved for future generations. 

“There are only three railway engine turntables surviving in Scotland, the nearest to Edinburgh being at Aberdeen.”

John Wilson, Secretary of The North British Railway Study Group, said:This is a remarkable discovery, recalling 120 years of railway history, which began when the North British Railway opened its line from Edinburgh to Berwick in 1846 and located its locomotive depot and works at what became known as St Margaret’s.  As well as occupying an area north of the main line, the engine shed south of the line remained well-known until the 1960s.

Access to the public drop-in will be from the gate along from the pedestrian entrance to the new Meadowbank Sports Centre, at the site of what was the old stadium’s car park. Find the location on Google Maps. 

Cllr Jane Meagher: Facing up to Edinburgh’s housing challenge by building smart new homes

Councillor Jane Meagher, the city council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, writes:

After a slowdown during the pandemic, it’s great to see so much work underway to build the new affordable and sustainable homes our growing city needs. 
 
Last week I had the pleasure of marking the site start for our newest housing development – Western Villages at the new Granton Waterfront. Spanning a site the same size as the New Town, this regeneration of the waterfront really is going to create a brand new coastal community. 
 
This is growth which will benefit those who already live in the area and the city as a whole and I have to say, it’s incredible to watch the start of construction. There is a team of people working extremely hard so that, over the next decade, we’ll see drastic change and thousands of people move into beautiful new homes.

They will join a 20-minute neighbourhood where they can shop, socialise, and access support. With our partners we’re investing millions in the area, including the fantastic gas works holder, which will become an amazing spectacle; a home for events and a glowing beacon for North Edinburgh below everyone who flies into the city. 
 
I am strongly committed to doing what I can to secure more affordable homes for Edinburgh. Over 150 households bid for every Council and housing association home that becomes available so that’s why we’re driving forward with building new affordable homes on sites across the city.

Close to Granton, in nearby Pennywell and Muirhouse, new homes and a new civic centre are taking shape. We’re also investing in improving existing homes with major works underway in both multi storey blocks and low-rise housing.   
 
As the city grows, the demand we are seeing for affordable and social homes is only going to increase. That is a reality we must face, not least with the country in the grip of a cost-of-living crisis and fears of recession on the horizon.

It’s why it’s critical the Council and its partners press ahead with a truly ambitious and forward-thinking housebuilding strategy and it’s why we must continue to make the case for increased investment in this programme to the Scottish Government. Our capital city, after all, is per head the lowest funded local authority in Scotland.
  
The way we’re building homes is also changing, with innovative measures being used to reduce energy. Western Villages is a great example of that, as Scotland’s largest net zero development. We want the whole city to become net zero carbon by 2030 so we are committing to ‘build smarter’ and create new homes which are greener and use eco-friendly technology.

This construction work is also helping to boost and create new jobs and apprenticeships which will further help us to support people into employment and keep our economy resilient, which is particularly significant after the impacts of Covid. 

The future is challenging, but together with developers and others we are doing everything within our powers to make it fairer on residents and on our environment. We’ll keep working to tackle our housing pressures and deliver these affordable and sustainable new homes.

This article first appeared in the Edinburgh Evening News

Council breaks ground at Scotland’s largest net zero housing development

Councillor Jane Meagher has officially broken ground at Scotland’s largest net zero housing development in Granton.

The start of construction works at the £72m ‘Western Villages’ project represents a significant milestone for the City of Edinburgh Council in the delivery of the £1.3bn Granton Waterfront regeneration project. Over the next ten years, 3,500 mixed-tenure homes and associated infrastructure will create a new, sustainable coastal community.

Cllr Meagher was joined by representatives for the project – including the Council’s own development and regeneration team, contractor CCG (Scotland) and architect Cooper Cromar – at the site located on West Shore Road adjacent to Forthquarter Park.

The 444-home masterplan will consist of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, including wheelchair-accessible ground-floor dwellings, available in a mix of social rent (195) mid-market rent (193) and private sale tenures (56) that will each benefit from stunning parkland and sea views.

To achieve net zero carbon, all homes will be constructed using advanced construction methods to improve thermal performance (and reduce heat loss). Delivered by an on-site energy centre containing air-source heat pumps and renewable technologies such as solar PV panels, this low carbon heat system and zero emissions strategy is being supported by £4.1m of funding from the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme.

Complemented by carbon offsetting measures, this pioneering approach to reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions has been developed by CCG in partnership with energy and sustainability consultancy, Carbon Futures. Sustainability credentials will be further enhanced by a reduction in car usage, provision of Electric Vehicle charging, and increased emphasis on active travel to lower the development’s carbon footprint over the longer term.

Set for completion in 2024, the homes for rent will be managed by the Council whilst the private homes will be led by CCG Homes, the private housing arm of the CCG Group.

Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “We are so proud to lead the country’s biggest net zero housing development and to break ground today.

“With an ambitious target to become a net zero city by 2030, this first phase of Granton Waterfront will act as a blueprint for future sustainable development and help Scotland transition towards a greener economy.

“This housing is going to provide hundreds of affordable homes, right at the centre of what will be Edinburgh’s newest neighbourhood – offering a fantastically lively, active, and sustainable waterfront lifestyle for everyone who moves in.

“People moving in will benefit from a real 20-minute neighbourhood, with great progress being made in our £1.3 billon wider regeneration project including a growing cultural and arts cluster in the area, after we announced works to refurbish the former Granton Station building into a creative workspace, as well as a new creative and community hub at 20 West Shore Road by Edinburgh Palette.

“It’s also great to see the iconic Granton Gasholder is being brought back to life – now illuminated in solidarity with Ukraine it is set to be fully restored and opened as a public amenity space.

“The operators of the Pitt Street market have also announced their plans to take up a new residence here, with more than half of all stalls to be led by start-ups and entrepreneurs, and we’re only going to see more and more new services, businesses and creative endeavours choose Granton.

“This is the start of an exciting new chapter for the city and for how we build new homes and new neighbourhoods and I look forward to seeing it all take shape.”

CCG Managing Director, David Wylie, said: “CCG’s contribution to the regeneration of Granton is significant with over 500 homes set to be under construction by the middle of this year.

“Western Villages, alongside a further 75 homes with the Council at Waterfront Avenue (known as Granton D1, the first pilot project of the Edinburgh Homes Demonstrator initiative), will play a major role in the creation of this new coastal community and also help shape our understanding and capabilities of net zero housing delivery in Edinburgh and across Scotland.

“We are very proud to be pioneering applied research and development into net zero housebuilding to support our economy’s green ambitions whilst also ensuring that high-quality, highly energy efficient homes remain accessible to our communities.”