Edinburgh’s Brownfield site to become sustainable coastal town

Edinburgh council has proposed plans to transform the city’s largest brownfield site into a new sustainable coastal town. 

Granton Waterfront consists of 140 hectares of former industrial land, following approval, the site will become a coastal town connecting Granton Harbour to Gypsy Brae.

The plans involve the development of around 3,500 new homes, of which at least 35% will be affordable, a school, medical centre, walking and cycling routes and enhanced public transport connections.

The plan is to also deliver on exemplary urban design with the focus on ensuring that the development is sustainable while also continuing to contribute to growing the economy in an inclusive way.

The plans will be presented to the council’s Policy and Sustainability Committee, who will meet next Tuesday (February 24) to discuss the development.

Following approval, the council will work with the Scottish government and other key partners to develop the funding strategy.

The overall gross domestic value of the project is estimated as being £1.3bn, the council has already committed £196m to accelerate the project, which they hope will attract significant public and private sector funding.

Cllr Adam McVey, leader of the city of Edinburgh Council said: ‘We’ve made a commitment to become a new zero-carbon city by 2030 and the regeneration of Granton offers the perfect opportunity to showcase how this can be delivered.

‘We are committed to working with the local community and partners to create vibrant new neighbourhoods where people live and travel and grow the economy in an eco-friendly way.’

Cllr Cammy Day, deputy leader of the council said: ‘The regeneration of Granton will create hundreds of new jobs linked to the growth of new services, business, leisure and creative industries and will strengthen the retail and small businesses that already exist.’

Earlier this week, (February 18), plans were submitted for a community-led sustainable housing project in Meadowbank, Edinburgh.

There will be 600 modern, low-carbon, energy-efficient homes with a minimum of 35% of them being affordable. The plans also include a GP surgery and other community facilities.

Photo Credit – Pixabay