Caltongate project back on the cards

WORK is expected to get under way in the autumn on the much delayed £300 million Caltongate project.

But it is expected that some controversial aspects of the original plan will be dropped.

A listed former school building that had been earmarked for demolition could now be saved after new architects were called in to redesign the southern half of the blueprint for the site, including a new public square and arts quarter.

New plans are expected to be submitted to the council within months, but developers Artisan insist some elements of the scheme do not need permission for work to begin.

Work is expected to start shortly on parts of the site adjacent to Calton Road, where a temporary hotel is currently operating for the Fringe. This includes a mixture of regular and affordable housing blocks, office space, retail units and a car park.