Work gets under way to build more than 500 homes on Edinburgh's waterfront

Ground work is under way on a major gap site on Edinburgh’s waterfront that should lead to the creation of more than 500 homes.

The next phase of Western Harbour with two development sites being prepared for more than 500 homes. Picture: Peter Devlin

The move at Western Harbour in Leith forms part of the next phase of investment in housing at the long-term development.

Ground preparations are being made for a further two plots, which combined with the current two development sites in this phase of the masterplan, will make up a five-acre site for new homes.

Overall, some 540 homes are expected to be delivered over the next 24–30 months. These properties are planned to add to the portfolio of managed rental properties in Western Harbour, including the recently completely Harbour Gateway.

A new primary school for the area is nearing completion and is planned for opening in late 2021, together with the new Edinburgh tram terminus.

Plans for the homes will be submitted to the local council to seek detailed planning approval in the new year.

Carole Cran, chief financial officer at site owner Forth Ports, said: “It is great to see the ground works getting under way for two new plots at Western Harbour.

“There have been a few delays this year due to the impacts of the global pandemic, however we are confident that we will gain planning approval in January to deliver these much needed homes for Edinburgh.”

Matthew Benson, director, development services at Rettie & Co, the Edinburgh-headquartered property agency, added: “Seeing activity at Western Harbour on this next phase of the housing plan is exciting.

“We hope that we can move to the construction phase of this new development quickly in 2021 in order that we can deliver high quality homes for residents. The success of Forth Ports’ earlier managed rent homes at Harbour Point and Harbour Gateway show that there is an urgent need for new housing in Edinburgh.”

The Harbour Gateway development was last year said to have attracted more than 3,500 applicants. Hundreds of “mid-market” homes for rental were delivered by Forth Ports in partnership with Rettie & Co. The project is one of the largest of its kind in the country.

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