New plans have been submitted for the development of a brownfield site in Edinburgh, Urban Realm has reported.

The site has been lying dormant for a lengthy period, and the revised proposals will see 160 new homes, a quarter of which will be affordable; by Frasers Hamilton (Shrubhill) Ltd.

The site comprises a B-listed former tram depot and its historic sheds could be retained for residential use, along with a pair of chimneys, following a structural survey by David Narro Associates.


Designed by EMA, the scheme occupies a linear parcel of land straddling a former railway line within the Leith conservation area and will include the introduction of new colony style/terraced family housing as well as a new pedestrian through route.

Emphasis will also be placed on the quality of streetscape in the new site, with low profile kerbing and gullies being used to create a space that accommodates congregation, seating and play.

At Leith Walk, a five-storey 'gateway' building will stand alongside a tree-lined route, leading towards an entrance square; behind this, there will be three-storey brick-fronted buildings to tie in with the existing tram sheds.

The news plans follow proposals from 2009, when Frasers Suites wanted to construct more than 400 apartments on the site. The project failed to materialise due to the wider market downturn.

(JP/CD)