Granton waterfront proposal receives councillors’ approval

A BUSINESS case (here) to develop Edinburgh’s Granton waterfront area – to the north of the city – has been approved by councillors on the Edinburgh Council’s planning and sustainability committee.

Says a council announcement, issued (here) in anticipation of the committee approval: “If approved, a final business case for a first phase of regeneration will be developed over the next 18 months using the skills and experience of a development partner, whilst also progressing plans for a low carbon heat network solution. 

“Over the next 15 years, the regeneration of Granton Waterfront will deliver around 3,500 net-zero carbon homes, a primary school, health centre, commercial and cultural space, sustainable transport provision and a new coastal park.”

The announcement adds: “Progress has already been made in the area, including accelerating the delivery of around 661 council-led homes, alongside the provision of key amenities and enhanced connectivity.”

The plans for the 150-hectare site have been costed at £1.3bn, and discussion at the committee (beginning at 4hours 12mins, here) included concerns about possible funding gaps.

An addendum, by the Conservative group – to “retain all possible funding and partnership options with the private sector” – was voted down – with (towards the end of the debate, from 4:31:39) council leader, Adam McVey, and depute leader, Cammy Day, both emphasising the need for the council to retain control of the regeneration (and not to have it parcelled out to private developers).

Picture credit: 3D visualisations by Luxigon, courtesy of Collective Architecture