WORK has begun on a residential development that will transform disused land in a prominent part of Leith’s waterfront.
The Waterfront Plaza project by CALA Homes (East) – opposite Ocean Terminal – will see the creation of 388 homes, along with 1500sqm of workspace units inspired by the Arches at Market Street near Waverley Station.
Affordable homes are a key element of the development, with 82 to be built and brought to market by a housing association, with a further 15 units delivered through the council’s Golden Share model.
Despite being initially recommended for refusal due to historic zoning for a commercial-led scheme, the brownfield site was unanimously backed by councillors after receiving strong support from local community leaders, businesses and politicians.
Craig Lynes, land director at CALA Homes (East), said: “This is a milestone moment for Leith’s famous waterfront and will make a significant and tangible difference to the prosperity of the wider area.
“The community and key stakeholders have played a crucial role in helping us to get to this stage – as constructive feedback early on in the process helped us to amend plans in a way that really works.”
Local councillor and Edinburgh council leader, Adam McVey, added: “I’m delighted that such a prominent patch of land in Leith which has been brownfield for so long is finally getting a development our community can be proud of.”
A welcoming party at the Leith site as work starts
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