Property and advisory firm Regency Residential has unveiled plans to transform a 1970s-office block in a popular suburb of Edinburgh into 163 new apartments.

In partnership with Intro Developments, the application will transform the eight-storey Chesser House building into a combination of studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

Under the plans by EMA Architecture and Design, the existing building will be retained with an additional lightweight rooftop level formed, and new windows and balconies punched out of the existing gables, making the most of the superb views from the site in every direction.

An element of retail and leisure space will be incorporated on the ground floor.

With Edinburgh ranking in the global top 20 property investment index for the second consecutive quarter, the developers believe there is a strong interest in high specification apartments in this area as both homes and for investment.

Rana Ashkar, business development manager at Regency Residential, said: “The combination of Regency Residential producing financial secure property investments and homes, alongside the prime location of Chesser House, makes this a key development.

“The area has a strong demand for high specification apartments and Regency Residential has a history of bringing homes or investments that are of higher standard that are financially protected to the UK housing market.”

Ashkar added: “Our proposals for Chesser House will not only provide the area with much needed modern accommodation with parking for those investing or wanting to do business in the area, but also help revitalise the whole community.”