The overall £1.3 billion Granton Waterfront transformation is expected to lead the way in sustainable development as part of Edinburgh’s commitment to be net zero carbon by 2030.

A £1.5 million contract will now be awarded to CCG (Scotland) Ltd to take forward designs for planning approval for an affordable housing development to include around 450 high quality homes, following agreement by the council’s policy and sustainability committee yesterday. Over the coming months, the council will be engaging with the community to develop the designs for the detailed planning application.

As part of this early programme of works for Granton Waterfront, the council is planning to refurbish the Granton Station building, an Edwardian former railway station, into a modern business space and is exploring the potential to light the area’s former gasholder in a joint project with Edinburgh College, turning the latter into a focal point for the city.

The wider proposals will create one of Europe’ s largest coastal city parks linking Granton Harbour to Cramond and Lauriston Castle, reconnecting the city with its waterfront and providing the opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy spectacular views across the Forth while experiencing enhanced leisure and outdoor activity. The plan is also set to deliver on exemplar urban design centred around climate resilience, leading the way in future sustainable development and growing the economy in an inclusive way.

The proposals will bring around 3,500 new homes of which at least 35% will be affordable, a school, medical centre, creative and commercial space, new cycling and walking routes and enhanced sustainable transport connections with the city, making a significant contribution to Edinburgh’s target to become a net zero carbon city by 2030. With an overall gross development value of around £1.3bn, the council is committed to investing around £196m to accelerate the regeneration, attracting significant public and private sector funding to deliver the vision.

Council leader Adam McVey, said: “As we start the recovery from this pandemic this development is a fantastic start to building the homes our residents need. Our waterfront development significantly contributes towards our shared goal of a better and more sustainable Edinburgh together so it’s great news that the first phase of this vibrant new neighbourhood for Edinburgh is now going ahead.

“We’re absolutely committed to reaching our target to build 20,000 affordable homes in the city as well as investing £2bn in new council homes over the next decade. We’re also committed to becoming a net zero carbon city by 2030 and Granton Waterfront will contribute greatly to all of these goals.”

Depute council leader Cammy Day, said: “The award of these contracts is a welcome message for the north Edinburgh community and the construction industry. The first phase of housing will provide hundreds of affordable homes and going forward the regeneration of this area will create hundreds of new jobs linked to growth of new services, business, leisure and creative industries and will strengthen the retail and small businesses that already exist.

“This is only just the start of this exciting development for the city and I look forward to seeing the plans brought forward by CCG for what will become one of Scotland’s leading sustainable communities.”

Calum Murray, director, CCG (Scotland) Ltd, added: “The City of Edinburgh Council is to be congratulated for the support it has afforded the construction sector during the Covid-19 pandemic. By progressing with the Western Villages project they are helping to build essential economic resilience and mitigate the worst effects of the pandemic for key stakeholders and the supply chain.

“In so doing the city is also sustaining the delivery of necessary affordable housing which will deliver on its low-carbon objectives. CCG (Scotland) Ltd is delighted to be in the vanguard of this significant regeneration initiative.”

Images courtesy of Collective Architecture