The first phase of a huge £500 million “urban quarter” development to the west of Edinburgh is set to be approved by councillors next week.
Developers wish to build offices, retail units, sports facilities and houses on the site to the south of Edinburgh Park which is reported to be the largest undeveloped location within the capital’s green belt.
The project is the brainchild of the Parabola property group which is currently working on the plans for the Edinburgh Park area that were first submitted more than 15 years ago.
Parabola have applied for permission to proceed with phase one of their development with new public space, landscaping and roads. The buildings include seven office blocks, two multi-storey car parks and an energy centre.
Within the buildings are supporting facilities that include retail units, a health centre and leisure facilities.
A report by planning officials states: “Since submission of the application, there have been amendments to the proposal.
“The main changes are: four-lane road reduced to mainly two lanes; building heights reduced; re-alignment of buildings; landscape and drainage alterations; and design changes to building elevations.”
The report states: “The overall quality of place created and different character is acceptable ... the proposed development will create a high quality development incorporating a variety of open spaces and quality public spacing.”
The overall “urban quarter” will eventually have 1800 houses and offices for 8000 people.
Parabola say the first phase alone will create 5500 jobs and company founder Peter Millican said: “We are pleased that the city council planners recognise the quality and attention to detail that shall be the hallmark of Parabola’s contribution to the city.
“Our vision for this new quarter of the city is to create vibrancy, a place of wellbeing within a sympathetically crafted landscape that is an exemplar of quality design.
Millican had already announced that his company would be moving its famous Vulcan statue by Leith-born Sir Eduardo Paolozzi to the new development.
He said at the time: “We are planning a number of sites for sculpture around the Edinburgh Park development. We will have a rolling commissioning programme.
“The Paolozzi sculpture will be there along with a number of other pieces when the first office opens in 2020.”
The same committee will consider an application to build 220 homes on the site of the former John Lewis Depot in the Bonnington Lane area of the city.
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