New plans could see a historic Edinburgh building completely transformed.
The red sandstone building at the bottom of Leith Walk was built back in the 1930s, and was at the centre of a community campaign last year. Developers hoped to build student halls and a hotel on the land, though this was scrapped when locals rallied against the proposals.
Now, another developer hopes to refurbish the existing frontage and change the use of the units within it. The industrial warehouse buildings would be demolished, and replaced with two buildings consisting of 152 flats.
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Along with the plans would come car parking, open spaces and landscaping. A five storey residential block would contain 114 of the apartments, while a four storey block would contain the other 38.
The proposals, which were submitted to Edinburgh Council by Drum Property, also detail a ‘formal active travel link’. This would ‘enhance connections’ between Leith Walk and Pilrig Park.
They added: “Not only is the sandstone building along Leith Walk to be retained, refurbished, and brought back into active commercial use, adequate space has been left to the rear of the building to allow flexibility for future uses.
“It is submitted that the proposal demonstrates its positive impact on its setting via the introduction of appropriately scaled and designed new residential buildings which integrate with their surroundings and reflect the local townscape – in terms of height and form, orientation of buildings and materials.
“The retention of the existing sandstone building and the significant enhancements to pedestrian and cycle connectivity resulting from the development will ensure strong integration with the surrounding area, again positively impacting the local setting.”
It has also been suggested that new residents and occupiers to the site could help tackle anti-social behaviour. Drum Property continued: “It should also be stressed that the regeneration of this site will bring improvements to the local area in terms of community security.
“Instances of anti-social behaviour associated with the site are not uncommon. The introduction of new residents and occupants to the site, alongside defined public/private spaces and a well-lit pedestrian/cycle route that benefits from passive surveillance will significantly improve the current situation to the clear benefit of local amenity levels.”
A decision has not yet been made by Edinburgh Council.
