Plans unveiled for major expansion to the west of Edinburgh

PLANS have been unveiled for a proposed major extension to the west of Edinburgh that potentially will involve the building of 7,000 homes plus accompanying ‘community infrastructure’ enabling residents to access most of what they need, for daily living, within a 20-minute walk or bicycle ride.

Described – at least in the media – as potentially one of the biggest urban expansion plans in Europe, the proposed development – named West Town – would comprise 205 acres, situated near the capital’s airport, between Ingliston Park & Ride and the Gogar Roundabout.

Says an announcement by the lead developer, West Town Edinburgh Ltd (here): “The projected £2 billion project presents the opportunity to meet the housing needs of the nation’s capital, whilst delivering one of the most significant sustainable, urban expansions Edinburgh has ever seen.”

The announcement adds: “The area has been highlighted by the Edinburgh City Plan [currently out for consultation, here] as an essential part of the vision for west Edinburgh to become a ‘vibrant, high-density mixed-use extension to the city with a focus on place-making, sustainability, connectivity and biodiversity’.

“The proposal also aligns with the ambitions of the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework 4, which was published [in draft form – here] in November 2021.”

The chair of West Town Edinburgh is well-known business person, Sir Bill Gammell, with a key investor being the developers, Drum Property Group, whose managing director, Graham Bone is quoted, as saying: “This is an once-in-a generation opportunity to deliver the transformation of the west of Edinburgh whilst playing a critical role in Scotland’s economic recovery and ongoing development for decades to come.

“Our ambition for the area matches that of the proposed Edinburgh City Plan 2030. The amount of space on the site combined with its superb location allows for a natural extension for the west of Edinburgh, providing a new ‘20-minute neighbourhood’.

“As well as the close proximity to the airport, the site has direct access to some of the best public transport in Scotland. The tram line travels directly through the site and there are integrated rail, cycle and road connections creating a strategic gateway to the city.”

Pictured: Looking east from Ingliston Park & Ride, Picture credit: Place Design Scotland