Kier has been appointed by the City of Edinburgh Council to deliver a £23m retrofit of residential accommodation in the Craigmillar and Peffermill districts of Edinburgh.
The contract has been secured through the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) framework, commissioned as part of the City of Edinburgh Council’s ambitions to meet its environmental targets.
Kier has been selected to support these ambitions by refurbishing 114 flats to create a positive, energy-efficient and modern environment for residents.
The works include the modernisation and extension of lift shafts so lifts will now serve every floor, providing improved accessibility throughout the building.
New external insulation will help improve heat retention and energy efficiency, making it easier to heat residents’ homes. The building’s appearance will also be enhanced through the application of new façade render, creating a refreshed and more attractive exterior.
In addition, new windows will be installed in all flats, further improving thermal performance, comfort and the overall living environment for residents. Fire safety measures are also being implemented throughout the project, with the installation of a firefighting lift to ease access during emergencies, advanced early warning smoke and fire detection systems, and the installation of sprinklers in every flat to improve safety for residents.
Kier has a strong track record in residential retrofit, including the successful transformation of Prospecthill Court in Inverclyde. This project has already delivered measurable benefits for residents, including reduced heating costs to an average of around £10 per week due to improved energy efficiency and a projected saving of 228 tonnes of CO₂ over 10 years.
Philip McDowell, regional director for Kier Construction North & Scotland, said: “Securing this project with the City of Edinburgh Council is a clear demonstration of the trust placed in us to deliver high-quality residential refurbishment at scale. This project builds on our proven track record of delivering complex refurbishment schemes in live environments, including our successful work at Prospecthill Court. There, we demonstrated our ability to enhance homes while maintaining a strong focus on resident engagement, safety and quality. We will bring that same expertise and collaborative approach to Craigmillar and Peffermill, ensuring we deliver lasting value for residents, the council and the wider community.”
Through its social value work, Kier is committed to ensuring its presence has a lasting, postive impact on communities, far beyond the projected timeline of the project, and will be engaging with residents to ensure their feedback helps shapes this commitment throughout the project.
Councillor Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “This project will significantly upgrade these properties, delivering warmer, healthier, and more affordable homes for residents, while also ensuring these buildings are fit for the future. Our investment of £23m will help to improve insulation, ventilation, fire safety and communal spaces, amongst other benefits, as part of our broader ambition to enhance the quality, safety and sustainability of our high-rise homes.”
