The site is a former waste transfer Station used for over 125 years and includes a listed stables building which is being renovated by others. The site at Powderhall will be regenerated with new affordable housing to assist with the city’s housing crisis, providing 107 new affordable homes on the edge of Edinburgh city centre. The brief called for zero parking, given the city centre location and adjacency to St Mark’s path and a vast network of off-road cycle paths and quiet cycle friendly streets, encouraging the use of public transport and walking, wheeling and cycling. Sitting next to the Water of Leith and a local nature conservation site, it was important to rejuvenate the barren brownfield site with new native planting permeating the development, with streets designed to be green spaces for pedestrians and cyclists rather than dominated by cars and parking. Two blocks within site will be sold to a private developer as serviced plots, giving an additional 125 new homes for sale.
The buildings have been situated so that the majority of new homes have a view to mature green space at the riverside or neighbouring Redbraes Park, or the new green street which connects the Water of Leith to the listed Stables clock tower. Courtyards were designed to maximise daylight and sunlight to private outdoor spaces, making them attractive spaces to use. Vehicle access is minimal – streets have been designed to prioritise people and make them useful for socialising and play.
