Heritage group in attack on £200m regeneration plan

Published on Thursday 2 October 2008 09:55

THE massive £200 million regeneration of Craigmillar has run into criticism – from the Government's heritage watchdog.

Historic Scotland has hit out at the decision to demolish 1930s tenement buildings at Niddrie Mains, and called for the few "landmarks" still standing to be saved from the wrecking ball.

Plans for a massive revamp of the area were recently submitted to the city council, and include a large supermarket, a town square and a 30 million high school.

However, a campaign has been launched against elements of the scheme, with particular focus on saving the former St Francis RC Primary School. The building is due to be demolished, having already been replaced by a new 13m campus.

"Although we support the repair and revitalising of the area, we have concerns with the masterplan and the outline application," said Historic Scotland's Sarah Gosman.

"The remaining listed buildings, and unlisted buildings of interest, are landmarks within the masterplan area, representing a valuable historical and architectural reminder of the original 1930s development of Niddrie Mains.

"The loss of the original housing stock in its entirety, together with the proposed loss of remaining unlisted buildings of merit, for example St Francis school, is also most regrettable."

The only listed building in the area is the former White House pub, a 1936 Art Deco building. Historic Scotland has called for its restoration following vandalism.

The firm behind the regeneration, PARC, today said it plans to do this within three years.

The last tenement from the first housing development in the area has recently been demolished, however the 1934 Richmond Church of Scotland at the site is still standing.

Craigmillar 1st, a local community group, has launched an online petition against the loss of St Francis School. The land will be used for several purposes, including a library, town square and supermarket car park.

A PARC spokesman said: "St Francis is not a listed building. But there are 1930s elements that we're looking for long-term solutions for. Progress in development is essential, but we will protect (buildings] that remain a viable part of a regenerated Craigmillar."