An ambitious regeneration project at Granton Waterfront will take a step forward next month. The City of Edinburgh Council will begin an intensive six month period of public engagement with the intention of delivering a vibrant, well connected, new city quarter.

The Council’s vision for the area is for around 4,000 new homes, services, retail and high quality public realm to be built over the next 15 years. The first phase of public engagement will start on Thursday, 8 November, with future events planned for January and March.

A Development Framework and high level master-plan will be developed over the next six months and presented to the Planning Committee in late Spring 2019 for approval as non-statutory planning guidance. This will help ensure that the community and place-making remain at the heart of this regeneration by providing guidance for future planning applications.

To strengthen collaborative working with key public sector partners who have an interest in the area, the Council is also proposing that it signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) alongside Edinburgh College, National Galleries Scotland, Scottish Futures Trust, Scottish Government and National Museums Scotland.

Further events and drop-in sessions will be held as plans develop in the coming years.

Cllr. Kate Campbell, Convener of the Housing and Economy Committee, said: “Granton is a really important site. It’s an enormous area where we will build lots of the affordable homes that we so desperately need in Edinburgh.

“What is even more important is that the community plays a major role in shaping the regeneration throughout the whole process. It won’t just be homes, but a new place with a sense of identity where people want to live, work and spend time. We’ll listen to as many views as we can between now and March and work with the local community, partners and colleagues from Scottish Government to make sure that we get it right.”

Cllr. Lezley Marion Cameron, Vice-Convener of the Housing and Economy Committee, said: “I am delighted to welcome the start of a six month programme of consultation on how, with partners, we collectively develop a vibrant waterfront befitting Scotland’s capital city and create an attractive, sustainable destination comprising new housing, quality jobs, and infrastructure together with an innovative and exciting cultural and recreational offering.”

The first community event will take place on Thursday, 8 November at Madelvic House from 2pm-7pm, 33 Granton Park Avenue, Edinburgh EH5 1HS. All are welcome.

+ posts