A COMMUNITY consultation is to be held tomorrow over plans for 450 houses on a former industrial dockland site in Leith.
Building firm Cala Homes claim the development on the land opposite the Ocean Terminal shopping centre would provide a “substantial” economic boost to the area as well as encourage expansion of the Edinburgh trams project.
The “Waterfront Plaza” development, on land owned by Forth Ports, would see the creation of one to three-bedroom apartments, townhouses and colonies to include 25 per cent on site provision of affordable homes.
The plans are supported by the shopping centre owners, Resolution Property and Forth Ports.
“The proposed development will have a positive effect for the local region and will directly support jobs, not just in Ocean Terminal, but in the wider local area,” said Ocean Terminal manager Dennis Jones.
Added Stuart Paterson, chief financial officer at Forth Ports: “This is great news for the local area and will help address Edinburgh’s current housing shortage and support the Ocean Terminal retail development.”
The public event, which will run from 12noon until 7pm, follows the submission of a proposal of application notice earlier this month, with Cala announcing its intentions to city councillors as well as Leith Harbour and Newhaven Community Council.
“We are looking forward to engaging with the local community, businesses and key stakeholders to help shape this exciting development,” said Craig Lynes, land director with Cala Homes (East).
“Leith has been transformed over the past 30 years, however progress has slowed. It is clear from our nearby Albert Dock development, that there is a demand for a range of high quality properties to include apartments and family homes.
“The benefits of the Waterfront Plaza go beyond the creation of much needed new homes. Our proposals are centred on a pedestrianised high quality public realm through the development linking the shore area to Ocean Terminal.
“The plans will positively regenerate the area and relate to the proposed tram route along Ocean Drive while addressing a strong and unmet demand for high quality new housing in Leith.” Following the period of public consultation and stakeholder engagement in the coming months, the firm plans to lodge a detailed planning application in the summer. With a positive planning decision towards the end of the year, work on site could start in the early part of 2017.
News of the Leith project comes as Cala begins work at a new housing project in North Berwick.
The development at Mains Farm is now under way after it received full backing from East Lothian Council and will consist of 147 three, four and five bedroom homes, the majority of which are three bedroom properties.
“We are delighted to have been given the go ahead for this development, allowing us to continue our presence in North Berwick and to provide much needed homes as part of a wider residential led development,” said David McGrath managing director at Cala Homes (East).
“It is clear that there is real demand for a wide range of family homes – and this is strongly reflected in this development.”
The firm has also been working on projects at nearby Gilsland Grange and Priory Meadow.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here