Town centre plan shines light on the 'heart' of Craigmillar

Derelict buildings, empty shops and cracked pavements line Niddrie Mains Road. But that will be consigned to history under plans for brightly lit pedestrian areas and a thriving town square.

New images showing the future of the area have been released, as plans for a blueprint to create a new town centre – which developers hope will act as the "heart" of the regenerated Craigmillar – are set to go before planners.

Officials have recommended the proposals be approved, and despite the massive effect the credit crunch has had on developments across the UK, those behind the scheme are confident they will be able to attract investment for the 15-year plan.

The plans are the latest phase of the 200 million regeneration by Parc Craigmillar, which will see the area around Niddrie Mains Road transformed into a focal point for the community.

The proposals include the creation of a large supermarket, a 30m high school and a public library over a 50-acre site.

They also set out a framework for the creation of more than 600 new homes, transport and pedestrian improvements, a sports centre, care homes and new offices.

A proposed train station has also been included, although due to the current uncertainty over the future of both the South Suburban Rail Line and the proposed Tram Line 3 route, developers admitted the station was "aspirational" and a "long-term" possibility.

One of the most important aspects of the master plan is the creation of the new town centre, which John Quinn, general manager at Parc, said was designed to be "the heart" of the community.

"The town centre plan is at the very heart of the regeneration of Craigmillar and we look forward to working closely with the local community to transform an exciting vision into reality," he said.

"We want to create a focal point for people, which will help to give the area an identity – somewhere that community Christmas trees can go and that will give Craigmillar a sense of place."

The plans also state that the B-listed White House, a 1936 Art Deco building that has been shut since the late 1990s, will be renovated and reopened, as either a restaurant or public house.

While the regeneration of the area has been backed by the community council, it has raised concerns about several areas of the master plan, such as the proposed loss of a popular 'kick about' area at the Venchie, which has been earmarked as land for housing or a proposed energy centre.

Concerns have also been raised about the traffic problems that could be created, both by the overall plans – which some feel would recreate potential rat-run routes – and the new supermarket.

Tony Clapham, chairman of Craigmillar Community Council, said: "There is considerable concern across the community about the traffic impact the proposed supermarket and adjoining petrol station will have."

Council officials have recommended the master plan be given the go-ahead, with legal agreements put in place to assure the future of the White House and to ensure that detailed plans for all elements of the development are brought forward at a later stage.

• www.parccraigmillar.co.uk