Once completed the Dockside scheme will supply at least 338 sustainable rental homes across four apartment blocks and provide over an acre of new public realm space.

The ground-breaking ceremony was well attended by key stakeholders including the leader of Edinburgh Council, Cllr Cammy Day, and Deputy Lord Provost Cllr Lezley Cameron.

The first building at Dockside is expected to complete in July 2025 with the entire scheme to complete in October 2025.

Leader of Edinburgh Council, Cammy Day, said: “Access to high-quality and sustainable rental housing is vital for Edinburgh’s continued economic growth, and Dockside, once completed, will deliver this much-need supply. By helping address the housing shortage in the area, the project will offer long-lasting benefits to the local economy and community.”

Lee Hawkins, construction director, Goodstone Living, said: “We are proud that this will be one of Scotland’s most sustainable housing developments. Operational carbon will be reduced by more than 50% through a series of pioneering technologies including the provision of an air-sourced heat pump in every apartment.

“Construction starting at Dockside is a major milestone for Goodstone Living. It marks the beginning of our portfolio-build out, where we will deliver and operate highly sustainable, accessible rental communities across the UK.”

Shane McCullagh, contracts director at McAleer & Rushe, added: “We are excited to mark breaking ground of the ‘Dockside’ development as a key step forward in bringing homes, jobs and public realm space to Leith.

“McAleer & Rushe have an exemplary track record in the delivery of residential homes, particularly Build-to-Rent schemes, throughout the UK. Coupled with Goodstone’s forward-thinking vision to lead from the front in sustainable development, we are confident that ‘Dockside’ will provide a positive lasting impact for the local area, both during construction and once completed.”