Fountainbridge, a former industrial area in Edinburgh, is seeing further regeneration with the expansion of the Lower Gilmore Place student housing development.

Thomas Johnstone Ltd.(TJL) has been appointed as the main contractor for the second phase of the project, which will add 82 premium student beds to the existing facility. Located along the Union Canal, the development provides students with easy access to the University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University, and Napier University.


The project builds upon the successful completion of the first phase in 2023, which delivered a four-storey building with 69 modern studio apartments, communal gardens, and ground-floor social spaces. TJL is continuing its partnership with Glencairn Properties and ISA Architects for this expansion.

"We are delighted to embark on the second phase of the Lower Gilmore Place development," said Campbell Ross, Regional Construction Director at Thomas Johnstone Ltd. "Building upon the success of the first phase, we are committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable living spaces that meet the evolving needs of Edinburgh's student population."

Work on the second phase is now underway and is scheduled for completion before the start of the 2026 academic year. This expansion will further contribute to the vibrant student community along the Union Canal and support the ongoing regeneration of the Fountainbridge area.