Proposals for a residential development at New Mart Road in Chesser have been launched, aiming to creating a new urban quarter in Edinburgh.
Developer Watkin Jones Group has revealed its plans to redevelop land to the rear of the Corn Exchange, which includes the World of Football and World of Bowling buildings.
The mixed-use brownfield development would comprise a majority of build-to-rent (BTR) homes, including affordable homes and some managed student accommodation.
This forms part of an overall regeneration of the brownfield site, following the recent acquisition of the Corn Exchange concert venue by the Academy Music Group – set to become the O2 Academy Edinburgh.
Should planning permission be given, the regeneration of this brownfield site formerly comprising a mix of listed and unlisted buildings originally used as an auction mart and livestock sheds, should complete work in 2025.
Watkin Jones stated that it will seek to retain the character and elements of the buildings, alongside the creation of community spaces and public realm.
The central square is adjacent to a series of smaller walled gardens and routes that link the more private series of residential courtyards.
A “significant proportion” of the former livestock shed frames will be retained and incorporated into the overall development.
The development is proposed as a car free scheme with parking limited to accessible parking only and maximising local public transport and active travel links to the site.
The BTR apartments will comprise a mix of studios, one bedroom, two bedroom and three-bedroom flats. Student bed spaces are proposed as a mix of studio and cluster rooms each with their own ensuite.
The developer has formally submitted a Proposal of Application Notice to City of Edinburgh Council, informing it that it intends to submit a planning application, following a minimum 12-week consultation period.
Iain Smith, planning director for Watkin Jones, commented: “The site is in a highly sustainable location with excellent access to amenities and transport links and will be built to future-proofed high environmental standards.
“Maintaining the strong heritage of the site is a feature of the development and our intention is to retain the character of the buildings where we can, ensuring their long-term viable future, with the creation of some fantastic public squares, each with their own distinct identity.
“These proposals will greatly assist in the regeneration of this part of the city and we are consulting extensively to ensure that people from across the local area have an opportunity to input their views and shape our ambitious proposals.”
Watkin Jones has worked in Edinburgh during the last decade, developing purpose-built accommodation schemes, equating to 2,861 student homes.
Its Sugarhouse Close development, which was completed in the summer of 2012, is accessed from the Royal Mile and located within the World Heritage Site.
The group is also currently progressing a mixed tenure residential development at Iona Street in Edinburgh, for which planning permission was granted in March,
This development comprises more than 200 managed student homes, 60 residential apartments and 20 affordable homes and will be completed in 2023.
In addition, the group is delivering 645 managed student homes on Westfield Road and Gorgie Road, which should be completing in 2022.
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