Highly anticipated proposals for a development with the potential to positively transform the Leith docklands have been submitted by a renowned Edinburgh developer.
CALA Management has put forward its plans for Waterfront Plaza, following engagement with the widely supportive local community - leading to notable amendments in order to provide a project that can have the optimum positive impact on the local area.
The 425 home development will provide a range of one, two and three bedroom apartments, colonies, studios and townhouses on brownfield land in Leith’s former docklands, opposite Ocean Terminal.
Forming part of the engagement process, more than 150 people attended a recent exhibition to discuss and feedback on the project. Although 70% of respondents supported the principle of residential led development on the site, there were some concerns regarding the loss of green space and proposed density.
Having further considered, CALA has now addressed this by reducing the planned density and by proposing a prominent area of publicly accessible open space as well as a café building, overlooking Victoria dock.
Craig Lynes, Land Director at CALA Homes, said: “Having engaged with the local community, businesses and key stakeholders to help shape this exciting development, we are proud to be able to offer a project that strikes a real balance.
“Leith has been transformed over the past 30 years, however progress has slowed. It is clear that there is a demand for a range of high quality properties to include desirable apartments and family homes in the area.
“This development not only helps address the substantial shortfall in housing that typifies the Edinburgh property market, but it will also provide excellent affordable housing in a project with high quality design appropriate to the waterfront location.”
The benefits of Waterfront Plaza are set to go beyond the creation of much needed new homes, with the proposals centred on a pedestrianised high quality Public Realm through the development, linking the Shore area to Ocean Terminal.
The development has been widely welcomed as another step in bringing economic and social benefits and prosperity to Leith and Newhaven and has strong support from the neighbouring Ocean Terminal, local businesses, and key stakeholders.
Craig added: “It has been evident through our engagement with local stakeholders, that there is a real willingness to positively engage and support the redevelopment of the site. With the nearby Leith Cruise Liner Terminal attracting an increase in visitors, the phrase “Linger Longer in Leith” was used with an emphasis in supporting local business and wider regeneration of Leith.
“We believe the residential led proposal at Waterfront Plaza has a key role to play in this.”
The Leith development will further embody CALA’s commitment to developing on brownfield sites in central Edinburgh, to include recently completed nearby Albert Dock off Ocean Drive, Brunswick Road, Kinleith Mill in Currie and the proposed high profile projects at Boroughmuir High School and Donaldsons.
Subject to securing planning permission, CALA hope to be in a position to commence development in early 2017.
The final plans will provide, 27 studios apartments, 27 colonies, 35 townhouses, as well as 230 one two and three bedroom apartments.
Further to this, the on-site affordable provision will include 100 apartments and six townhouses.
CALA has now submitted a Detailed Planning Application to The City of Edinburgh Council. The public will have a 21 day period following registration of the application to make formal representations.
