Keith Anderson: A new vision is needed for the Waterfront

, writes

Looking at the Edinburgh Waterfront project, what was offered in the original vision 15 years ago simply is no longer all achievable. Building came to a grinding halt in 2008, and many brownfield sites have lain barren for a number of years.

It is now time to reassess where we are going and how, now living in a very changed environment, we can address the need and opportunity there is for regeneration in Leith and Granton and the pressing need we have for additional affordable housing, as well as in other regeneration projects throughout the country.

The City of Edinburgh Council is currently consulting on a draft of a new Area Development Framework for the area. This is a real opportunity to deliver a co-ordinated, realistic and beneficial vision for the existing and new communities of the Waterfront and Leith.

There have been several "vision" documents over the past 15 years, but what they have lacked is a sense of unity between the various public, private and third-sector stakeholders and the co-ordinated leadership needed to deliver this.

With a completely changed economic landscape, what we need now is a document which brings everyone together, offers short, medium and long-term solutions and is driven and delivered by a more focused team .

We must not downplay what has been achieved. We must also be proud of what a bustling and cosmopolitan area the Shore is and the revitalisation of the community through the great work of local charities and groups.

But sites which realistically will not be developed for many years must be considered for temporary uses, including "greening", and used to promote the sense of community which has been at the heart of each vision. Only through this revised approach can the vision be delivered.

lKeith Anderson is chief executive of Port of Leith Housing Association.