Tag: residential-led development

Transformation of Leith continues with Ocean Point application

MORE STUDENT ACCOMMODATION PLANNED

Property developer S Harrison Developments has submitted a planning application for a c. £100 million residential-led development at Ocean Point 2 in Leith, adding to the ongoing transformation of the Waterfront and delivering further vibrancy to the area.

Neighbouring Ocean Point 1, the development of the brownfield site will provide two buildings and comprise a mix of build-to-rent homes (BTR), including apartments specifically for families, alongside purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), delivering a truly mixed community.

In total, 120 BTR homes are proposed, providing a mix of studio, one-bed, two-bed and three-bed apartments to meet a range of housing needs. A quarter of these are three-bed apartments, designed for families.

There are 404 PBSA beds on offer, split between cluster accommodation and studio bedrooms. The former accommodation is intended to be a mix of five and six bedrooms.

Student numbers have risen significantly in the city over recent years, with full-time student number growing by more than a quarter (25.1 per cent) between 2016/17 and 2021/22.

PBSA, of which there is little in the Leith area, has the potential to free-up much needed family homes locally currently occupied by students, says the developer.

Commercial space/co-working and amenity space are also proposed as part of Ocean Point 2, offering fantastic active frontage to Ocean Drive, with greatly enhanced public realm encouraging active lifestyles.

In addition to delivering homes, the new development will deliver significant local spend, amounting to some £5.3 million by residents and visitors annually, supporting an estimated 60 retail and leisure jobs. It has been estimated that 325 jobs will be created directly in the construction of the overall scheme.

The development neighbours Ocean Terminal, which is set to undergo a £100 million transformation, delivering a mixed-use development comprising residential, commercial, retail and hospitality.

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

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: “Our proposed development, if approved, will bring much-needed homes and student accommodation to an area which is undergoing a rapid transformation, delivering a truly mixed community.

“Regenerating a current brownfield site, this development boasts excellent transport links, especially with the new tram line, and will deliver a significant investment into the local community.”

Planning and development consultancy Turley provided planning services for the project with CDA acting as architects.

Transformation of Leith continues: public views sought on Ocean Point

Property developer S Harrison Developments is giving the public the chance to view updated proposals for residential-led development at Ocean Point 2 in Leith, adding to the ongoing transformation of the Waterfront and delivering further vibrancy to the area.

Neighbouring Ocean Point 1, whose occupiers include VisitScotland, the brownfield site will aim to comprise a mix of homes, a high proportion of which will be for families, alongside other potential uses including purpose-built student accommodation, delivering a truly mixed community.

Along with commercial uses/co-working and amenity space, landscaping and infrastructure, these will occupy two buildings on the site.

Following an initial public exhibition which took place in December, a second exhibition of updated proposals will take place TOMORROW – Tuesday 7 March – between 2pm and 7pm at Ocean Terminal.

In addition to delivering new homes, student accommodation is also being explored with students delivering significant spending power locally and bringing a future skilled workforce to an area which has witnessed little purpose-built student accommodation.

Edinburgh is a university city, and the number of students in higher education has risen by almost a third since the start of the century, with purpose-built student accommodation having the potential to free-up much needed family homes currently occupied by students locally.

Located in Leith, voted in October 2021 by Time Out as one of the “world’s coolest neighbourhoods” and by the Sunday Times as the best place to live in Britain, the proposed development will bring increased vibrancy to the area.

Conveniently situated just two miles from Edinburgh city centre, it is likely to be attractive to those  seeking to live, work and study in the area, taking advantage of local shops, bars, restaurants and cafés.

The development neighbours Ocean Terminal, which is set to undergo a £100 million transformation, delivering a mixed-use development comprising residential, commercial, retail and hospitality.

In addition, Forth Ports, which has been named as a Green Freeport and at the centre of a new supply chain for Scotland’s renewable industry, is seeming to deliver an exciting mixed-use development, including residential, a hotel, local retail, flexible workspaces and offices and leisure facilities.

The extension of the tram line between Edinburgh and Ocean Terminal, anticipated to commence running in June, will also provide connectivity between the development and Edinburgh city centre within 20 minutes.

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: “Our proposed development, if approved, will bring much-needed homes and other uses to an area which is undergoing a rapid transformation, delivering a truly mixed community.

“Regenerating a current brownfield site, we look forward to continue to engage with the local community following our first exhibition last year and providing it with the opportunity to input their views and further shape our ambitious proposals.”