Disused land opposite Leith’s Ocean Terminal will be revitalised following approval of a long-running brownfield development.
Proposals for “Waterfront Plaza”, which were backed by local community and business leaders, were given the green light after Councillors voted unanimously in favour at the Hearing. CALA Homes (East) is now hoping to begin construction of the 388 homes as early as Spring 2018 – along with 1500m2 of flexible workspace units. As well as the major economic benefits and the creation of a public realm, a wide range of the local housing supply will be boosted, with 97 affordable homes also included in the plans.
Craig Lynes, Land Director at CALA Homes (East), said: “We are thrilled to have received the backing of Councillors who recognised the importance of bringing much needed new homes to the area.
“This derelict site is well-known to local people and we hope to ensure that our plans bring a notable boost to the local economy and contribute to a vibrant community.”
In the week leading up to the Hearing at The City of Edinburgh Council Development Sub-Committee, a joint-letter was issued on behalf of high-profile backers, including Port of Leith Housing Association, Leith Chamber of Commerce as well as Ocean Terminal and 41 of its businesses. The letter “strongly urged” support for the residential-led proposals located on historically disused land opposite Ocean Terminal, citing the urgent need for new private and affordable homes and the huge potential boost to the local economy. Further public backing came from local Councillor Gordon Munro, who called the project a potential ‘catalyst’ for the regeneration of Leith.
The amended plans present a range of apartments and family homes, to include 33 semi-detached and terraced townhouses, 27 colonies, 328 apartments, plus 29 ground floor workspaces fronting Ocean Drive. The mix of ‘workspace’ units will be complemented by the proposed public realm, to include an urban square, public green space and a café building fronting Victoria Dock at Waterfront Plaza.
