Former school lined up for ‘exemplar’ student housing

A FORMER school towards the west of Edinburgh has been earmarked for what has been described as ‘exemplar’ student accommodation.

Among several plans submitted for the former Tynecastle High School is a community garden and no facilities for car parking.

A planning application has been lodged with the local authority by developers, S1 Developments.

Says a media release on behalf of the developers (here): “This high-quality student development will regenerate a site that has lain vacant for over a decade and fallen into a state of disrepair. The careful restoration of the original Category B-listed school building, designed by John Alexander Carfrae, forms an integral part of the proposals. The development will far exceed amenity standards for similar student developments and has sustainability at its heart.”

The release continues: “The development has been designed to be highly sustainable with zero parking, 100 per cent cycle parking, the employment of low-carbon technologies and no use of fossil fuels.”

It adds: “[Local charity] People Know How will operate a community facility, with the option for other local community groups to use space. The charity supports children, young people and their families in Edinburgh transition from primary to high school; helps individuals access the digital world and assists communities to shape their areas through community consultation and empowerment.”

Picture credit: S1 Developments