We are very excited to have an evening full of exciting FREE workshops including macrame projects and some woodwork at Granton Parish Church, next Friday-26/01 between 4 – 6pm.
> The Edinburgh Home Demonstrator (EHD) explores an innovative approach to design, procurement, and delivery of affordable net zero carbon homes.
> Planning permission has been granted for EHD’s second pilot project in Greendykes, delivery of which will be led by Urban Union and supported by Donaldson Timber Systems and Robertson Timber Engineering.
> The development of the Greendykes project will complete the last stage of the 15-year Greendykes North Masterplan aimed at regenerating the wider Craigmillar area.
> Both Donaldson Timber Systems and Roberson Timber Engineering will be using their proprietary offsite manufactured timber systems to deliver the build.
Proposals to transform currently vacant land into an affordable net zero carbon housing development in Edinburgh have now been approved by city planners.
Located between Greendykes Avenue and Greendykes Road in east Edinburgh, the development named ‘Greendykes K & L’, will comprise 28 two-storey terraced houses and 112 flats in four-storey tenement style blocks.
As well as being the final stage in the Greendykes North Masterplan to regenerate the Craigmillar area, the Greendykes K & L development is also the second of three confirmed pilot projects being delivered by The Edinburgh Home Demonstrator (EHD) – a programme providing an innovative approach to building affordable net zero carbon homes at scale.
The Scottish Government-backed programme has engaged a community of research and development experts to develop a catalogue of house types with the goal of demonstrating how we can create and set a new standard for affordable net zero carbon homes at scale across the six local authorities within the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Deal Region.
The homes that will be delivered as part of the EHD will be built using modern methods of construction (MMC) including offsite manufacturing techniques in accordance with the EHD’s design and performance standard that outlines a route to achieving net zero.
Specifically, the Greendykes pilot will be looking to optimise existing, and develop additional, house and flat types for the EHD catalogue and to test design, performance standard and mass customisation of the EHD house and flat types. Using the EHD types allowed an additional seven homes to be built on site showing the efficiency of the EHD design.
Anderson Bell + Christie Architects were appointed by Urban Union, housing developer and principal contractors, to create the plans for the Greendykes development on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council. Donaldson Timber Systems and Robertson Timber Engineering will deliver the offsite manufactured elements.
Each firm will use their proprietary offsite manufactured, closed-panel timber systems at Greendykes. Both systems will allow the build to be less wasteful and more efficient, while reducing embodied carbon emissions and increasing the quality and energy efficiency of the housing once complete.
As the second project delivered by EHD, the Greendykes development will benefit from the data and insights gathered during the first pilot project which is under way in Granton.
By carrying out extensive pre- and post-occupancy evaluations into build speed, energy demand and whole-life embodied carbon emissions, the development of the Greendykes site is projected to similarly provide insights that will feed into and inform the EHD business model and the ongoing regional approach to delivering net zero carbon affordable housing at scale.
John Smith, Technical Director, Donaldson Timber Systems said:“The approach of one site, one contractor, and two different timber systems gives us the ability to measure both.
“We can test, monitor and compare each system all the way through the process from build to occupancy, which will teach us a great deal about how best to deliver future net zero carbon housing at scale.”
Nicola Jackson, Net Zero Projects Lead, Robertson Group said:“This project is significant for bringing together two members of industry to develop and optimise the future model of net zero carbon house types.
“For Robertson, it is specifically important as it’s an opportunity to increase the pre-manufactured value (PMV) of our timber systems, meaning we can increase the quality of a build project and ensure that once complete, the homes will meet energy efficiency goals.”
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
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:
Regeneration specialist Urban Union and the city council have appointed North Edinburgh Arts to deliver an engaging Art Strategy as part of its work at the Pennywell Living development in Edinburgh.
The strategy has community engagement at its core and will deliver three distinct outcomes: inspiring hoarding panels, a Creative Community Chest and new Pennywell Heritage/Art Trail.
Lead Artist Ross Macrae will kick start the strategy alongside a series of invited guests, who will create 10 engaging panels incorporating wayfinding and local icons to the existing hoarding around the Pennywell development.
A key strand of the strategy is community engagement and local young people will have the opportunity to attend masterclass sessions with Ross and the guest artists where they will demonstrate skills and techniques in spray painting and other mediums. The workshops and artwork creation have been running since April and are expected to continue into August.
With £3,000 available through the Creative Community Chest for micro projects across the North Edinburgh Arts membership area, local charities and constituted groups will also be able to apply for one of 10 grants of up to £300 which will be used to deliver creative content for the local community. The Creative Community Chest will be managed by the One City Trust and open over the summer.
The final element will be the introduction of a heritage/art trail for Pennywell. Appointed through an open call, the selected artist will create and deliver six permanent artworks in and around the Pennywell area.
With the aim of enhancing local pride, the artworks will become meeting points, way finders, conversation starters and points of connection. Local residents are invited to get involved in the process which will commence in September 2022 and over the following 12 months will include 24 engagement activities for all ages, culminating in the installation of the art in August 2023.
Neil McKay, managing director, Urban Union, said: “We have been an active member of the local community for the last eight years and we are pleased that our public art strategy for Pennywell is now in place. The regeneration that has already taken place in the area will only be further complemented and enhanced by these plans which will bring wider benefits.
“The key to making these three distinct programmes a success will be the involvement of the local community. The art which will be created needs to reflect the rich social heritage of the area and the character of the communities who live and work in and around the Pennywell area.
“We look forward to continuing our engagement with the local community as our Phase 3 works progress and to seeing their ideas come to life through the unique opportunity that our Arts Strategy will provide.”
Councillor Jane Meagher, housing, homelessness and fair work convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, added: “There is going to be so much to enjoy in North Edinburgh this summer. This programme is a real celebration of local people and all of the regeneration which has taken place.
“We’ve supported significant investment in Pennywell and Muirhouse, with new green spaces and a civic heart, brilliant sport and culture on the doorstep and plans for new community hub – plus of course hundreds of much needed, quality, affordable and social homes. It’s one of our 20 minute neighbourhood projects and you really can see the area flourishing.
“What’s been so special throughout this redevelopment is that residents have been really involved, with projects empowering people to reconnect with their area and initiatives to welcome new neighbours in. North Edinburgh Arts has been central to this and will now help us to bring permanent artworks to the area, which local people will also shape. We can’t wait to see the entries.”
Kate Wimpress, director, North Edinburgh Arts, commented: “North Edinburgh Arts has worked with Urban Union over the last eight years bringing creativity and community to each stage of the development. This has ranged from one off craft workshops, and arts activities for young people, to the development of temporary play spaces, and the permanent, much loved, Butterfly Garden on Pennywell Road.
“With support from Urban Union and the City of Edinburgh Council this current set of projects allow us to tap into local interests, expertise and enthusiasm once again and we look forward to sharing the results and the pride of our place with local residents, neighbours and visitors alike.”
Urban Union is developing 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.
Urban Union, as part of their community benefit programmes for the City of Edinburgh Council, and Muirhouse Housing Association (MHA) have together provided over £15,000 in ongoing support to the Muirhouse Millennium Centre in the north of Edinburgh since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020.
Muirhouse Millennium Centre, run in partnership with Low Income Families Together (LIFT), aims to relieve poverty among the residents of the surrounding areas, provide recreational and leisure facilities, and promote education and training in skills of all kinds.
During the first wave of the pandemic, from March to October, the cash boosts from MHA and the developer behind Pennywell Living helped the Millennium Centre become a major player in food distribution in the north of Edinburgh.
Since then and throughout the two lockdowns, the money has helped fund over 5,000 food parcels, 22,000 packed lunches, 6,000 ready meals, as well as baby formula and nappies for local families and homeless accommodation.
Adapting their recreational support service, the Millennium Centre also delivered over 500 play packs and activity resources, allowing children to continue taking part in the Centre’s homework and youth clubs through Zoom. In October, once children were allowed to be welcomed back, the Centre used the funding to deliver five sessions a week to reduce isolation and strengthen social skills after being at home for the duration of the first lockdown.
As part of their community benefits mission, Urban Union has previously also supported Muirhouse Library’s Breakfast Club to ensure local children had a nutritious start to their day as well as helping Pennywell School build their STEM curriculum, recently launching a STEM-based learning project.
Neil McKay, Managing Director of Urban Union, said: “Our focus at Urban Union is to not only regenerate a physical landscape, but to create strong relationships and support the communities in which our developments are based. We are ecstatic to have been able to support the Millennium Centre and LIFT throughout a very challenging period for many families.
“We are always happy to give something back to the Muirhouse community and we will continue to offer opportunities for local people and support for the most vulnerable in the area.”
Iain Strachan, Chair of the Muirhouse Housing Association added: “Muirhouse Housing Association is dedicated to supporting our tenants and local community.
“This last year has been one of the most challenging in our near 30 years of being part of the Muirhouse community. We are glad that we can work with Muirhouse Millennium Centre and LIFT in supporting local people and families during a very difficult time and will continue to do so in the future.”
Pauline Bowie, Managing Director of Low Income Families Together said:“We are very grateful for this generous donation from Urban Union and MHA which has made a real tangible difference to children and families alike across Edinburgh during an extremely difficult time.
“The Centre relies on funding to deliver our programmes and reach those who need it the most. Everyone deserves a chance in life, and donations like this allow for local people in challenging situations to access different forms of support.”
City of Edinburgh Council’s Convener of Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work, Councillor Kate Campbell said: “During this crisis, we’ve worked together to put our most vulnerable residents first and making sure people can access the right support when and where they need it has been an absolute priority.
“It’s great to see our development partner Urban Union and Muirhouse Housing Association providing this much needed funding for Muirhouse Millennium Centre’s invaluable work, and the positive impact it’s had on the community’s families and children since the beginning of the pandemic.”
Pennywell Living is the centre of an exciting 8-year regeneration project as part of the City of Edinburgh Council’s house-building programme.
Now in phase three, the development offers an exceptional range of 315 one to four bedroom flats and houses designed for modern living. Over half of these will be for affordable rent.
Urban Union regenerates areas across Scotland to create revitalised communities through building new, high quality, affordable homes.
Across each of its developments, Urban Union aims to deliver sustainable long-term benefits to the new and surrounding neighbourhoods, with job and training opportunities, ensuring the community will benefit from the projects for years to come.
Regeneration firm Urban Union is donating £1,500 to support homeless charities across Edinburgh this festive season.
Crisis in Scotland will receive a cash boost from the developer behind Pennywell Living, to support people homeless in Scotland this Christmas. The donation has been made in lieu of the firm’s annual staff Christmas party, with Turning Point also being recipients of the donation.
Crisis in Scotland will be using the money to help its front-line team and 250+ volunteers provide people with hot meals, personalised wellbeing packs, online activities (including entertainment, learning and wellbeing) and a telephone befriending service throughout December.
Urban Union has also embarked on a new partnership with Invisible Cities, an Edinburgh-based social enterprise that trains people affected by homelessness to become walking tour guides.
Work is currently underway on a new tour celebrating the rich history of Glasgow’s Gorbals area which is home to Urban Union’s first development, Laurieston Living.
Neil McKay, Managing Director of Urban Union, said: “Our focus at Urban Union is to not only build new homes, but to create strong relationships and support the communities in which our developments are based.
“We are pleased to be able to support Crisis as well as work with organisations like Turning Point and Invisible Cities, who carry out brilliant work supporting the displaced and vulnerable across Edinburgh and Glasgow.
“We hope our donations will allow them to continue to provide crucial and important services through what are difficult times for many over Christmas.”
Crisis’ Edinburgh Skylight centre provides expert support and advice to homeless people to help them leave homelessness behind for good. How Crisis helps someone depends on their individual needs and situation, so it could be that they help someone to find a home and settle in, work together to help them gain new skills and find a job, or improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Kirsty Potter, Fundraising Manager from Crisis in Scotland, said:“We are very grateful for this generous donation from Urban Union which will make a real difference to people in Scotland without a home this Christmas.
“It will help bring comfort and dignity to people being supported in hotels, BnBs and other forms of temporary accommodation this Christmas. Everyone deserves a home, and donations like this will help people in incredibly challenging situations access the support they need to end their homelessness for good.”
City of Edinburgh Council’s Convener of Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work, Councillor Kate Campbell said: “We’ve worked together to put our most vulnerable residents first during this crisis – but the biggest challenges are still to come.
“Making sure people can access the right support when and where they need it is an absolute priority. So it’s great to see these funds going to Crisis and Turning Point to help them help others. Particularly at this time of year”
Urban Union will also be donating funds to Turning Point Scotland which provides support for people who are dealing with mental health conditions, learning disabilities or are homeless.
The charity has led the way in its introduction of the Housing First approach to homelessness in Scotland – by granting secure accommodation as a first step in addressing the issues that led to the situation, rather than the last and being given as proof of recovery.
In addition to the donations, the regeneration specialist has partnered with Invisible Cities to train up to eight people who have experienced homelessness and develop a new walking tour proposed to launch in early 2021.
The group will undertake training to help with confidence building, public speaking and customer service skills and have the opportunity to become an official Invisible Cities guide or access further support to pursue a career path of interest to them.
Urban Union regenerates areas across Scotland to create revitalised communities through building new, high quality, affordable homes.
Across each of its developments, Urban Union aims to deliver sustainable long-term benefits to the new and surrounding neighbourhoods, with job and training opportunities, ensuring the community will benefit from the projects for years to come.
Since lockdown began at the end of March, Urban Union – a construction company which delivers large-scale, housing-led regeneration projects across Scotland – has handed over 23 properties and secured 52 reservations at its developments in Glasgow, Perth and Edinburgh.
To ensure none of its clients found themselves homeless during the coronavirus pandemic which put much of the UK housing market on hold, Urban Union has been using key safes, hosting video demonstrations and conducing handovers via FaceTime in order to continue operations in line with social distancing guidelines.
Urban Union, which is part of Robertson, one of the largest family-owned construction, infrastructure and support services businesses in the UK, has also been providing advice to those moving on how to do so responsibly to respect social distancing measures.
Neil McKay, Managing Director of Urban Union, said: “Coupled with the raising of the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax threshold for residential properties, it’s a promising sign for the industry that we have continued to see strong interest from new homebuyers.
“Despite the economic uncertainty and temporary hold on the property market, the extra time we’ve been spending at home has given many people the opportunity to reflect on what they want from their living spaces.
“Whether it’s extra room to work from home more comfortably or access to an outdoor space, many people will have re-evaluated their priorities when looking for a new place to call home and this has been reflected in the interest we have received over the last few months.”
Urban Union currently has a collection of properties ready to be called home at Muirton Living in Perth.
The Anderson and the Grant at Muirton Living in Perth are one-bedroom apartments perfect for first-time buyers ready to get onto the property ladder, with prices starting from £105,000. Featuring a bright open-plan kitchen and lounge, the properties also benefit from wide hallways, a spacious bathroom and built-in storage throughout, giving a real sense of modern living. The development also sits close to a number of shops and offers good transport links for those commuting to Perth city centre and Dundee.
Key workers interested in buying a new home at the Muirton Living development are also eligible to receive up to £2,500 from Urban Union as a thank you for their help and dedication during the COVID-10 crisis.
The Ross and the Adam at Pennywell Living in Edinburgh are one and two bedroom apartments available from £140,000.
Located only a few miles from the centre of Edinburgh, the development is ideal for those who work in the city centre with good bus services to and from the area. With a selection of primary and secondary schools, as well as a wealth of useful amenities in the area, the development would suit young professionals and families.
At Urban Union’s newest development – Pollokshaws Living in Glasgow’s Southside – there are a number of apartments available, including The Stewart, a one bedroom apartment priced from £160,000.
In addition, there are three types of two bedroom apartments – The Glen, The Collins and The Monteith – all of which start from £175,000.
For more information on the properties available, please visit
Local schoolchildren have planted the first trees at the new Pennywell Nature Garden.
Pupils from Pirniehall Primary School were joined by members of the Pennywell community as planting got underway in time for spring yesterday.
Set within Urban Union’s and the City of Edinburgh Council’s Pennywell Living development, the shared nature garden will help foster a sense of community and provide local residents with an attractive outdoor space.
The garden will also allow the community to get involved in several projects which will benefit both the environment and their neighbourhood as a whole.
By creating the nature garden, developer Urban Union and North Edinburgh Arts are hoping to create a space for both adults and children at Pennywell Living to enjoy, as well as attract wildlife and boost biodiversity by planting trees, hedges, snowdrops and seed-bombing wildflowers.
Neil McKay, managing director at Urban Union, said: “Having the chance to enjoy the outdoors is incredibly important. Being in the fresh air and around nature is fantastic for people’s health and well-being.
“The garden will also help create a green area and tranquil setting for the development and neighbourhood.
“Located in the hub of the community, the nature garden will feature a range of colourful flowers, trees and plants. It has been great seeing local pupils, community and organisations all come together to help plant the garden’s first trees.”
Natalie Taylor, designer of the Pennywell Nature Garden, added: “The garden will be a fantastic nature haven full of biodiversity for the Pennywell community to enjoy, offering both adults and children a brilliant chance to see nature’s life cycle in action.”
Set to complete in 2023, Pennywell Living is part of a wider housing regeneration project being delivered through a partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council and Urban Union which will see the delivery of over 770 new homes, half of which will be affordable housing.
With great local primary and secondary schools, as well as a wealth of useful amenities in the area, the development is perfect for young professionals and families.
