A new application for purpose-built student accommodation with ground floor commercial space at Jock’s Lodge has been submitted to the City of Edinburgh Council.
The development is set to include 191 student rooms, and hopes to address the ‘rapidly increasing’ demand while providing a much-needed boost for neighbouring businesses. Existing local businesses have agreed to the sale and redevelopment of the site.
The plans will see a mix of single bedrooms with shared kitchens, and larger studio style rooms. The building will also house a ground floor lounge, study, gym and social spaces, cycle storage provision and laundry service.
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The Alumno Group, who are behind the development, are bringing in Edinburgh-based artist Kenny Hunter to deliver a series of sculptures and other artworks which will be integrated into the new building. Local artists and graduates from the Edinburgh College of Art will also be brought in to assist in design projects, and given the chance to show their work on the site.
The prospective students moving in at the Jock’s Lodge development are estimated to bring in a local spend of more than £900,000 per year. The increase of students in the Craigentinny/Duddingston ward could rise by up to 10.1 per cent, still significantly lower that Newington, Morningside and City Centre areas.
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David Campbell, founder of Alumno said: “This exciting mixed-use scheme will serve to ease the acute housing pressures by providing greater options whilst addressing the increasing and well documented, student housing demand by providing modern, high quality and well managed accommodation.
“We have listened to the responses of the local community through our thorough consultation process and have reduced the height of the building to accommodate this feedback.
“Employment and investment will be generated both during construction and once complete, increasing footfall to local shops and also serving to provide a new sustainable food/drink outlet for the community, including outdoor space. We are committed to being a good neighbour and believe our plans will make the best and most positive impact on what is a highly constrained and challenging urban site.”
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