Edinburgh could become home to Europe’s largest charging hub for electric vehicles (EVs) – if plans for a new development are given the green light.
Developers behind the Edinburgh Green office project are planning to install almost 800 charging points, which would be available for community use, on the site.
An initial 170 points would be installed, with a further 595 enabled for future use at the development, at the Drummond House and Younger Building in Edinburgh Park.
Developers hope to create a “new type of workplace”, with space for more than 7,000 workers and a “genuine focus on wellbeing and sustainability”.
The plans have been drawn up after Shelborn Asset Management bought the site and existing buildings from NatWest in 2021.
Currently, the Energy Superhub Oxford is said to be Europe’s largest charging centre for EVs, with around 450 points.
The Edinburgh project aims to create over 80,000 square feet of high quality office space.
The EV points, which will be available to the public on evenings and at weekends, will form part of a wider transport hub with access to car club vehicles, public transport links and cycle parking.
Plans have been submitted to Edinburgh City Council and, if approved, work could begin on the site next summer, with the project scheduled to open in 2026.
Shelborn director Brian Rabinowitz said the project is “one of the most ambitious office developments to be launched in Edinburgh for decades”.
He said: “Our plans for Europe’s largest electric vehicle charging hub is key to meeting our ambitious 2030 net zero target.
“Sustainability will be at the heart of this development, which promises to be a game-changer by transforming the common perception of what an office workspace should look like.
“It will boast modern office accommodation surrounded by spacious landscaped parkland and a range of on-site facilities, such as a multi-use pavilion, café/events space, and comprehensive transport links.
“As Edinburgh’s market continues to grow post-pandemic, public and private sector occupiers are demanding a better-quality workspace which give their employees better places to work.
“Edinburgh Green is seeking to respond directly to this, creating a new kind of workspace that optimises a well-connected brownfield site, complete with all the amenities and functionality demanded by both employer and employee alike.”
Councillor Scott Arthur, convener of the council’s transport and environment committee, said: “I have committed Edinburgh to driving down carbon emissions and aim to hit net zero by 2030, and electric vehicles are part of this of this.
“Edinburgh recently rolled out a network of on-street charging points to support people that need a car to use clean, low emission electric vehicles, and I welcome any additional charge points, particularly those open to the local community.
“Of course, the move to electric vehicles is only one tool at our disposal - increasingly people in Edinburgh want new developments to be well connected to public transport, and support those choosing to travel by foot and bike.
“Indeed, this is essential if we are to reduce our carbon footprint, but also lower congestion, improve air quality and make our roads safer.
“Thankfully, Edinburgh Park has excellent connections to the city via Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, and I would expect any new development in the area to make the most of these, whilst also connecting to active travel routes.”
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