Next step for Granton development scheme

CONTRACTS are expected to be signed soon, to begin the first phase of developing one of Scotland’s largest areas of vacant and derelict land: the Granton area of north Edinburgh.

The first phase will include detailed designs for around 750 net-zero homes for sale and rent, commercial space, new and enhanced sustainable transport infrastructure and public realm which will connect the surrounding neighbourhoods with the waterfront. The first phase will also see the delivery of a new school and medical centre.

The City of Edinburgh Council contracting is set to be with building group, Crudens – following, says the council, “a competitive procurement process”.

Local architecture practice, Smith Scott Mullen, is expected to be involved in the projects, along with Scandinavian architects, C. F. Moller.

In an announcement, here, the council speaks of the development complying with its ambitions to create so-called ’20-minute neighbourhoods’, where all of life’s essentials are within a 20-minute walk or cycle away.

Ambitiously, it adds: “Scotland’s ambitions to tackle climate change and transition to a net-zero-carbon economy are fundamental to the Granton Waterfront vision. With six public sector partners including two major national institutions, it is a unique collaborative venture. All are committed to maximising every opportunity to ensure the economic benefits of the development are shared fairly throughout the community.

“Together, our aim is to ensure the local economy grows in an inclusive, resilient and considerate way – one which has people’s health, happiness, and wellbeing at its core. Granton Waterfront will be the blueprint project for Scotland in urban development and regeneration.”