A major redevelopment in the west of Edinburgh that is set to deliver 7,000 homes has taken a step closer.
West Town Edinburgh, the development consortium which owns 205 acres of land near Edinburgh Airport, has agreed a joint approach with the City of Edinburgh Council to deliver the new 20-minute neighbourhood.
Council leader Cammy Day announced the agreement alongside Graeme Bone, group managing director of Drum Property Group, developers of West Town.
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The vacant site is located between Ingliston Park and Ride and the Gogar roundabout, which was previously identified in the council's City Plan 2030 as having the potential to become a high-density city extension with a capacity for 7,000 homes, reports Insider.
The plans for the huge new village would also incorporate commercial and community facilities required to become a 20-minute neighbourhood. The Edinburgh Tram route runs directly through the site, with a new station potentially set to be created.
Subject to relevant council policies and planning consents, property developers Drum hope that work will start on the site next year, with the first phase of homes and community amenities being ready for early 2026.
Commenting on the development, Cammy Day said: "Edinburgh is quickly becoming a trailblazer for the type of affordable, sustainable homes our residents need and this overlooked land at West Town could pave the way for thousands more.
"We are leading the way as a city to harness new technologies to make developments greener and fairer - building low and zero carbon homes which are energy and cost efficient - so I'm looking forward to working with West Town Edinburgh to build on our net zero ambitions.
"Currently, over 150 households bid for every council and housing association home that becomes available, so we must set our sights on this development unlocking a huge amount social housing - with demand for affordable homes higher than ever before, this is what our city desperately needs."
Bone added: "The amount of space on the site combined with its superb location allows for a natural extension for the city providing 7,000 mixed-tenure homes and new jobs in a new 20-minute neighbourhood.
"We look forward to continuing to work with the council to advance our shared vision to create a new, sustainable urban quarter for the city."
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