In today’s edition:

• BBC broadcasts history of Edinburgh house, through time;

• Permission being sought to build temporary emergency accommodation for people experiencing homelessness;

• Demolition potentially back on the agenda, following decision against ‘listing’;

• End-of-month reopening hoped for Princes Street;

• Environmental Impact Assessment ordered for South Gyle ‘green’ data centre;

• Leith hotel proposal issues invite to comment;

• Guidance issued for traditional buildings conversions;

• Concerns about Water of Leith pollution reportedly raised by local MP;

• Trio of historic buildings expected to receive conservation funding;

• Sewer upgrade to close westbound lane of Waterloo Place;

• Hopes high for Edinburgh outlet following Harvey Nichols’ purchase;

• Views sought on Starbank Park ‘community space’ plans;

• ‘Digital hub’ aiming to aid place and building design;

• Litter pick at Pilrig Park;

• ‘Democracy cairn’ added to monuments care list; and

• Enjoy, see you next Friday!

BBC broadcasts history of Edinburgh house, through time

YESTERDAY evening saw the broadcast of the first episode of a four-part TV series looking at the history of a single Edinburgh home.

Series six of the BBCs’ ‘A House Through Time’ - presented by historian, David Olusoga - looks at an 18th century home on Calton Hill.

Olusoga is appearing at the Edinburgh International Book Festival a week on Sunday, here and also the following day, here.

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Permission being sought to build temporary emergency accommodation for people experiencing homelessness

PLANNING permission is being sought to demolish a former social club - used by supporters of Heart of Midlothian FC - and replace it with accommodation and services provision for people experiencing homelessness.

A planning application - here, ref: 26/03173/FUL - has been submitted to create a 97-bed temporary emergency accommodation project on McLeod Street, in Gorgie.

The architects are Unum.

The story is picked up by the website, Urban Realm, here.

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Demolition potentially back on the agenda, following decision against ‘listing’

THE possible demolition of a block of flats in Gorgie is potentially back on the agenda, following a decision against protecting it with a ‘listing’ designation.

The decision not to list Westfield Court has been taken by the Scottish Government agency, Historic Environment Scotland (here).

In June, BuildEdinburgh reported (here) a mooted buy-back (of flats) scheme being halted because of the possibility of a ‘listing’ protection against demolition.

Repair costs had been estimated at around £500,000 per flat.

The story is picked up Scottish Housing News, here.

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End-of-month reopening hoped for Princes Street

PRINCES Street could be fully reopened by the end of the month, some five weeks after a section of it had to be closed due to fire ripping through the former Debenhams building, located between Castle Street and Frederick Street - leading to concerns about the structure’s stability.

Says an update issued by the city council, here: “Subject to favourable weather conditions (this restricts when this can be done safely) the hope is that work [to stabilise the building] carried out will allow Princes Street to reopen by the end of August.”

The update adds: “The front façade of the building is now being stabilised with steel beams – more than 40 per cent of these are now in place internally and externally to support the western end of the Princes Street façade - with work ongoing on the remainder of the upper floors.”

The story is picked by The Herald newspaper, here.

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Environmental Impact Assessment ordered for South Gyle ‘green’ data centre

AN environmental impact assessment (EIA) - for a ‘green’ data centre being proposed in South Gyle - has been ordered by the Scottish Government.

It follows a planning-in-principle application - here, ref: 25/04239/PPP - that was refused by the city council’s Development Management sub-committee in February (here), albeit an EIA was not considered necessary by an officers’ recommendation (here) to approve.

The (rather robust) reasons for the order - by a ‘reporter’ at the Scottish Government - can be found here (‘open the document’).

The story is picked up by The National newspaper, here.

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Leith hotel proposal issues invite to comment

VIEWS are being sought, concerning a proposed 121-room hotel on the corner of Ocean Drive and Rennie’s Isle, in Leith.

Says the architects, FaulknerBrowns, here: “The proposed massing places a focal tower at the prominent corner, addressing the scale of the larger dockside context, while lower shoulder blocks step down to align with the neighbouring Rennie’s Isle residential scheme and the wider conservation area.

“The preferred option has been refined through three pre-application meetings with The City of Edinburgh Council, incorporating feedback on massing, heritage impact, ground-floor activation and the public realm.”

It’s not been possible for BuildEdinburgh to locate any formal planning application on the city council’s planning applications portal - perhaps because an application has yet to be submitted, albeit a Proposal of Application Notice should exist somewhere on the portal, to provide advance notice.

Views are being sought, on the FaulknerBrowns website, here. There is a deadline of the first of next month.

Among the proposals is a “panelled mural along Ocean Drive celebrates Leith's wine trade history”.

A public consultation event took place a week yesterday.

A campaign against the scheme already has already been formed, with its own website, here.

The proposal is being reported by the Urban Realm website, here.

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Guidance issued for traditional buildings conversions

NEW Scottish Government guidance - believed to be the first of its kind in almost two decades - has been issued, to help in the conversion of traditional buildings.

Says the government, here: “The Guide to Conversion of Traditional Buildings will help ensure traditional buildings are adapted safely for modern use – ensuring that they meet fire safety, accessibility and energy efficiency needs, while supporting the sustainable reuse of historic buildings.”

Read more, here, on the website of Historic Environment Scotland.

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Concerns about Water of Leith pollution reportedly raised by local MP

CONCERNS about pollution entering the Water of Leith have reportedly been raised by local MP, Scott Arthur.

Dr Arthur is quoted, here, by The Edinburgh Reporter website, as saying: “People value [the Water of Leith] as a place to walk, cycle and improve their well-being, but they’ve also raised important concerns about user safety, courtesy and water quality.

“I’ll be taking these issues up with both the [city] council and Scottish Water to ensure we see real improvements that make the Water of Leith safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable for everyone who uses it.”

He mentions his concerns on his social media Bluesky account, here.

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Trio of historic buildings expected to receive conservation funding

THREE historic buildings that were originally excluded from the proceeds of a levy now being charged for overnight stays by visitors in the city are to now receive funding, to help conserve them.

Yesterday, members of the city council’s Culture and Communities committee (here, agenda item 7.4) agreed to allocate Visitor Levy funds to Leith Custom House, the Tron Kirk and the Portobello (pottery) Kilns.

Said papers (here) considered by the committee members, money would come from the “de-prioritisation” of revamp plans for George Street.

The papers proposed, for Leith Custom House: 2026/27 £100,000, 2027/28 £100,000 and 2028/29 £100,000; for the Tron Kirk: 2026/27 £200,000, 2027/28 £0 and 2028/29 £0; and for the Portobello Kilns: 2026/27 £0, 2027/28 £0 and 2028/29 £724,000.

In February, councillors agreed (here) a sum of £3m, from the Visitor Levy funding, to upgrade Hunter Square, adjacent to the Tron Kirk.

On the tenth of next month, further new projects for possible Visitor Levy funding are to be also considered: The Causey Project, Lost Shore and Edinburgh International Climbing Centre and ‘development’ of Princes Street.

The story is picked up by Ian Swanson, of the Edinburgh Evening News, here.

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Sewer upgrade to close westbound lane of Waterloo Place

THE westbound lane on Waterloo Place is to be closed for an anticipated 11 weeks, from the seventh of next month, to allow for sewer upgrade work.

Says Scottish Water, here, of the £3m investment: “The project… will improve the long-term resilience and reliability of a key section of the city’s sewer and water network, helping it continue to serve homes and businesses for years to come.”

It adds: “The works will also include diverting and upgrading a 130-year-old 12-inch cast iron water main with around 25 metres of new pipeline, helping improve the resilience of the local water infrastructure.”

The eastbound lane will remain open throughout.

The story is picked up by the BBC, here.

Meanwhile, 12 weeks’ worth of overnight roadworks are expected to cause traffic disruption at Crewe Toll roundabout, starting Monday. As detailed here and here (North Edinburgh News).

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Hopes high for Edinburgh outlet following Harvey Nichols’ purchase

HOPES are high that the Edinburgh outlet of the retail group, Harvey Nichols, will continue to trade as it has been, on St Andrew Square, following news yesterday of the group’s purchase by the founder and owner of Sports Direct, Mike Ashley.

Reporting the purchase - by Ashleys’s Frasers Group - the Guardian newspaper, here, says: “Ashley has bought a series of struggling premium brands in recent years after starting out with a single sports shop. He has said he would keep Harvey Nichols’s Knightsbridge and Edinburgh stores, but rebrand the four other UK stores – in Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Bristol – as House of Fraser or Flannels.”

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Views sought on Starbank Park ‘community space’ plans

VIEWS are being sought on whether a ‘community space’ should be created in Starbank Park.

Says an online survey (here) launched by the Friends of Starbank Park:“Starbank House is an historic building located within Starbank Park in north Edinburgh.

“The building has been part of the park landscape for many years and there is
growing interest in exploring how it could be used as a community space for
local residents.”

The story is picked up by The Edinburgh Reporter and Edinburgh Inquirer websites, here and here.

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‘Digital hub’ aiming to aid place and building design

A ‘DIGITAL hub’ is being developed, to aid the design of places and buildings.

Says one of the partners in the project, Architecture and Design Scotland, the hub aims “to share knowledge, explore emerging technologies and support data-driven approaches to design, infrastructure, placemaking and the built environment”.

Read more, here.

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Litter pick at Pilrig Park

A LITTER pick is taking place on Tuesday, at Pilrig Park.

Organised by Edinburgh Trash Club, it kicks off at 7pm.

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‘Democracy cairn’ added to monuments care list

A CAIRN on Calton Hill - that was erected in 1998, to commemorate vigils held nearby for a Scottish parliament - has now been added to the list of monuments in the city being officially cared for by the city council.

It follows a SNP motion agreed yesterday (agenda item 9.1) by members of the council’s Culture and Communities committee, which noted the cairn - aka the ‘Democracy Cairn’ or ‘Parliament Cairn’ - was at risk of being lost because of vandalism.

Meanwhile, councillors on the same committee agreed to a temporary halting (here) of new monuments and memorials in Princes Street Gardens - with the exception of a sculpture celebrating the late writer, Muriel Spark - until a ‘statue and memorialisation plan’ is agreed as part of a wider Princes Street and Waverley Valley strategy.

The story is picked up by The Edinburgh Reporter website, here.

Also meanwhile, a report is to be drawn up, on how to improve the play park in Inverleith Park, following a petition - here - asking for “urgent investment”.

Image details: Meuse Lane, just off South St Andrew Street; copyright Mike Wilson

In today’s edition:

• Portobello promenade set for ‘improvements’;

• Community-designed sculpture unveiled on cycle route;

• £5m support package issued in the wake of the former Debenhams building fire;

• Debate taking place about the City Plan 2040;

• Trial measures to ease traffic congestion at Lothianburn;

• Permission being sought for hotel reconfiguration;

• Images published of newly refurbished King’s Theatre;

• The city council’s housing waiting list;

• Household and dwellings numbers;

• Ticket offer celebrating 180th anniversary of the Scott Monument;

• Passivhaus building costs estimated to be almost on par with ‘conventional’ house ones;

• Land and country mansion for sale, South Queensferry;

• Under-30s ‘love’ Edinburgh;

• Subscriber numbers;

• A lovely discovery; and

• Enjoy, see you next Friday!

Portobello promenade set for ‘improvements’

PUBLIC realm improvements are in store for Portobello promenade - including new, accessible public toilets and “better, accessible and inclusive play spaces for all ages and abilities”.

It is a city council project, to be funded by the proceeds from a levy being charged to visitors for overnight stays, which came into force a fortnight ago.

Says the city council, here: “Portobello Promenade is one of Edinburgh’s most loved seaside spots, and we want to help make it even better.

“We are developing plans to improve the promenade from Kings Place to Joppa.”

The story is picked up by the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper, here.

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Community-designed sculpture unveiled on cycle route

A COMMUNITY-designed sculpture has been unveiled on a cycle route, in Bingham.

Says the charity, Walk Wheel Cycle (formerly Sustrans) - here: “Created by artist duo Littlewhitehead in collaboration with Art Buds Collective, [the sculpture] Beacon has grown from months of creative workshops and shared ideas.

“More than 260 local people helped shape the artwork, making it a true reflection of the neighbourhood and the people who know it best.”

It is located on the National Cycle Network Route 1.

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£5m support package issued in the wake of the former Debenhams building fire

A £5m support package is to be made available by the Scottish Government, in the wake of the fire which ravaged the former Debenhams building on Princes Street.

Says a Scottish Government media release, here: “The funding will be administered by the council and include support for a number of areas to assist the recovery from the fire, including support to incentivise and assist with travel around the city, acknowledging the concerns of businesses facing reduced footfall after the closure on Princes Street, in particular along the tram route to Leith and Newhaven.

“It will also provide assistance to help secure the site and make the building safe to facilitate the reopening of Princes Street, as well as support for festival operators forced to relocate.”

Read more on the city council’s website, here.

The story is picked up by the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper, here.

And the newspaper’s Ian Swanson also quotes the city council leader, describing as “shameful” a non-appearance by the First Minister, John Swinney. Here.

Judging by the other comments published in the newspaper, it seems to have all got rather ‘party political’.

Meanwhile, last week’s poll on BuildEdinburgh, regarding the building: Repair and preserve 37 per cent, Demolish and replace with a replica 41 per cent and Demolish and replace with modern 22 per cent. From 41 votes.

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Debate taking place about the City Plan 2040

A DEBATE about the city council’s planning ambitions for the years 2030-40 is being hosted towards the end of next month, by local heritage body, The Cockburn Association.

The City Plan 2040 debate is taking place on the 26th of next month; details here.

Meanwhile, the city council has issued a City Plan 2040 ‘call for ideas’ - here - with a deadline of September 30.

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Trial measures to ease traffic congestion at Lothianburn

SOMETIMES serious congestion on Biggar Road near the bypass - and also on the slip roads at Lothianburn junction - is to be addressed by the road maintenance and management firm, BEAR Scotland.

Says the organisation, here: “New road markings and temporary changes to the road layout will be put in place on the roundabouts north and south of the city bypass, and at the entrance to the Midlothian Snowsports Centre at Hillend.

“These measures have been designed to improve traffic flow on the roundabouts, reduce queue-jumping, improve lane discipline and reduce delays on the A720 eastbound off-slip.”

Local councillor, Neil Cuthbert, welcomed the announcement, saying it was a “step in the right direction”, adding, “Of course, it is an experiment, so we will just have to wait and see. But it’s progress.”

Relatively recently, traffic lights were installed at the entrance of Hillend snowsports centre and a little south, at a three-road junction considered to be highly dangerous.

The story is picked up by the Midlothian View website, here.

And also TheFairmile website, here (which also notes the local community council’s comments about a planning-in-principle application to demolish Scottish Water offices on Buckstone Terrace).

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Permission being sought for hotel reconfiguration

PLANNING permission is being sought, to reconfigure a hotel on Haymarket Terrace.

The planning application (here, ref: 26/03110/FUL), if approved, would radically change the frontage of the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, formerly an Apex hotel.

As detailed here.

The architects are ICA.

The story is picked up by Urban Realm website, here.

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Images published of newly refurbished King’s Theatre

IMAGES from the newly refurbished King’s Theatre in Tollcross can be found on several websites, including Urban Realm, here, and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, here.

The theatre reopened on Saturday, following a four-year restoration project overseen by architects, Bennetts Associates.

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The city council’s housing waiting list

JUST over 31,500 applicants are waiting for a‘social rent’ home from the city council.

And according to a Freedom of Information request, of the exactly 31,589 applications that have been submitted, some 9,224 have been waiting for over five years.

Some 5,545 applications have been made within the last 12 months of the most recent data becoming available (the FoI was submitted in June and ‘resolved’ last month).

The breakdown reads as follows:

• Less than one year – 5,545;

• One to two years – 5,521;

• Two to three years – 4,911;

• Three to five years – 6,388; and

• More than five years – 9,224.

Says the reply, from the city council to the FoI: “For applications active for more than five years, the number of applicants in this band who have received at least one offer of accommodation that was refused: 1,235.

“The number who have received no offer of accommodation in that period: 6,864.”

The identity of who submitted the FoI is kept confidential.

The story is picked up, here, by the Edinburgh Evening News.

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Household and dwellings numbers

THERE were almost a quarter of a million households living in Edinburgh last year - according to figures released by National Records of Scotland.

The exact figure of 247,435 was up 2,644 on the previous year.

Meanwhile, there were 269,306 dwellings in the city (up 2,997 on the previous year), not all of them occupied.

Indeed, some 2.4 per cent of homes in Edinburgh (6,464) were identified last year as ‘vacant’ (against a Scotland average of 3.2 per cent), 1.1 per cent as ‘long-term empty’ (3,080) (against a Scotland average of 1.6 per cent), and 0.5 per cent (1,440) as ‘second homes’ (against a Scotland average of 0.6 per cent).

Scotland-wide, over the last 20 years the number of households increased by 296,500 (13 per cent) - to reach 2.57m - with the average household size now 2.11 people per household, down from 2.27 people per household in 2001, 2.19 in 2011 and 2.12 four years ago.

Meanwhile, the number of households in Scotland is projected to grow by 6.7 per cent in the ten years from mid-2022 to mid-2032. By mid-2047, the number of households is projected to be 12.2 per cent higher than in mid-2022. As noted, here.

Read the NRS press release, here.

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Ticket offer celebrating 180th anniversary of the Scott Monument

TICKETS are being made available for free - on a first come, first served basis - to help celebrate the 180th anniversary of the Scott Monument on Princes Street.

From Monday, for a week, 12 free tickets are going to be made available each day, to climb the monument.

As detailed, here, on the city council website.

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Passivhaus building costs estimated to be almost on par with ‘conventional’ house ones

THE additional costs associated with building homes to the exacting energy efficiency standard, Passivhaus, are estimated to have fallen to almost negligible levels - according to new research.

The research (here) has found the additional cost, compared to ‘conventional’ equivalent properties, to be around three-to-five per cent for a semi-detached house and two per cent for a flat.

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Land and country mansion for sale, South Queensferry

A GUIDE price of £200,000 is being suggested for a 1.3-acre plot of land immediately fronting the Firth of Forth, at South Queensferry - here.

And a guide price of £275,000 is being suggested for a nearby dilapidated country mansion, here.

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Under-30s ‘love’ Edinburgh

YOUNG people - aged under 30 - have rated Edinburgh as the fourth-best place in the world to live - according to media brand, Time Out.

Says Time Out, here: “‘There are plenty of reasons why Edinburgh is an extremely liveable city – its green space, walkability, excellent restaurants and world-class cultural offering – but for Gen Z specifically, its unique nightlife scene makes it a standout.”

Edinburgh sits behind Tokyo, Porto and Melbourne in the world rankings.

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Subscriber numbers

SUBSCRIBER numbers have increased from last week: we are now at 727. Thank you.

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A lovely discovery

EDINBURGH’S several ‘broken’ and eyesore telephone boxes could do worse than take inspiration from a lovely transformation of one on Queen Street.

Admittedly a transformation of a classic Giles Gilbert Scott ‘red’ telephone box - as opposed to the much less charming more modern ones - it was undertaken on behalf of Save the Children charity (that was eligible to take over the box for £1) by the nearby shop: bespoke tailors, Stewart Christie & Co.

Read more, here, about the box’s transformation, on The Edinburgh Reporter website.

So… what to do with the city’s other telephone boxes? History boards? Curious Edinburgh tales? Architecture drawings? Telephone hotlines? Tourist information?

BuildEdinburgh plans to explore options, for an upcoming feature.

Any thoughts: editorialbuildedinburgh [at] gmail [dot com]. For example, what type of exhibition boards and how to fix them so they can’t be easily vandalised?

And do please share with BuildEdinburgh readers your own ‘Lovely discoveries’ in the city.

Main image details: Floral clock, Princes Street Gardens; all images copyright Mike Wilson

In today’s edition:

• ‘Super hostel’ plan ‘broadly’ approved, on appeal;

• First steps completed at The Causey;

• North Bridge expected to fully reopen later today;

• What to do with the fire-damaged Debenhams building?;

• Business group leader urges Visitor Levy money to be spent on city centre streets;

• Edinburgh Trams: passenger numbers up, revenue up, but losses also up;

• Muriel Spark monument to be an abstract design;

• £8.5m funding boost for Art Works project;

• Litter picks, on Sunday and Tuesday;

• Refurbishment plans for Portobello swim centre ‘moving forward’;

• Summerhall road junction redesign gets short shrift from cyclists;

• Event to examine west city neighbourhood projects;

• Flats proposal submitted for house in Merchiston;

• Subscriber numbers and the opportunity to share;

• Road closure at Holyrood Park; and

• Enjoy, see you next Friday!

‘Super hostel’ plan ‘broadly’ approved, on appeal

A PROPOSAL to convert a row of former offices on Atholl Crescent, into what is being described as a ‘super-hostel’, has been ‘broadly’ approved - on appeal, by the Scottish Government.

The appeal concerned a two-part planning application (here, ref: 25/04915/FUL and here, ref: 25/04916/LBC), which the developers chose to appeal on December 17, the exact same date of a city council Development Management sub-committee meeting, which would have ordinarily considered the applications but did not include them on its agenda.

The appeal was on ‘failure to give a decision grounds’.

The first application received 281 objections (here); the second 267 (here).

The proposal is for essentially ‘pod accommodation’.

Said background papers, here, in the original planning application: “The hotel will utilise a capsule hotel concept, where individual sleeping pods will be grouped into 78 guestrooms each containing a number of private capsules or double beds. These along with additional double bed chambers will result in a total of approximately 544 beds.”

The appeal (here, ref: PPA-230-2699) was ‘broadly’ approved last Friday - with some parts refused (here).

THE BBC reports anger at the decision, here. As does the Edinburgh Evening News (here). Scottish Housing News website also reports the decision (here).

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First steps completed at The Causey

A LONG-held ambition to reconfigure a traffic island on West Crosscauseway - into a more ‘civic space’ (The Causey) - has taken its first step, with a reversal of its one-way traffic flow.

However, during a five-to-ten minute spell at 1.45pm today, BuildEdinburgh witnessed three occasions where confusion appeared to reign.

Despite at least three ‘no entry’ signs (including two on the ground), one car entered the street, when it shouldn’t have, from Clerk Street.

And two vehicles turned right - again, against instructions - from West Crosscauseway into Clerk Street.

The works story was picked up last week by the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper, here.

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North Bridge expected to fully reopen later today

AFTER years of road and pavement closures - to allow for restoration work - North Bridge is expected to be fully reopened later today (so long as the rain holds off to allow for road markings to be painted).

Meanwhile, it is being reported that there are no plans to reinstate bus stops on North Bridge when it is finally reopened (with the race on to complete the work by today or tomorrow).

Reported Rachel Fergusson, last week: “The [council in a reply to a post on X, formerly Twitter] said the eight years of works on the bridge had ‘provided an opportunity to observe bus operations’, and that the current provision with buses only stopping on South Bridge has worked well for the network in the city centre.”

Fergusson adds: “The [council also] said improvements to [neighbouring] South Bridge will be subject to consultation in the coming months.”

Read more, here.

However, on Monday, the Edinburgh Minute website’s Michael MacLeod wrote, here: “While I’m still waiting for evidence from the council on how the decision to remove bus stops was taken, I’m told there was no new accessibility impact assessment on removing bus stops because there was already an arrangement in place for the duration of the North Bridge project, supported by Lothian Buses.

“The council is said to be reviewing the situation and willing to make any necessary adjustments once the bridge reopens. Hoping to get a comment from the council on this week.”

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What to do with the fire-damaged Debenhams building?

IN Saturday’s edition of the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper, the city council’s Transport committee convener, Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, was quoted - here - saying the fire-damaged former Debenhams building on Princes Street should be demolished, essentially to allow the road to be reopened as soon as possible.

Do you agree?

On the continent, there is a well-established tradition of building exact replicas of destroyed buildings.

And of course, a modern replacement could be the subject of an open design competition.

The city council is providing updates - here.

To the question, Will the building be knocked down?, the council replies: “It is a B-listed historical building. We’re trying to preserve as much of it as possible, but it is too early to tell how much can be saved.”

And to the question, Who will pay for this work?, it replies: “Under the Building (Scotland) Act, we’ll seek to recover costs incurred by the council in carrying out these urgent works from the building owners in due course.”

It is understood that the affected part of Princes Street will remain closed for at least three further weeks, with a late piece of news emerging: an ornate staircase within the building apparently escaped the flames.

Meanwhile, a history of the building (and that particular stretch of Princes Street) has been penned by local history writer, Andy Arthur, on his Threadinburgh website, here.

And on Wednesday, The Herald newspaper ran a story - here - claiming the Scottish Government had yet to commit to providing ‘emergency funding’ for the building, despite a reported request from the city council leader.

Plus, yesterday, the same newspaper reported that the building’s owners “would not be drawn” on whether it would pay the full cost of any work relating to demolition.

Adds the newspaper, here: “They also did not comment when asked if the company will continue development of the site, which caught fire overnight on July 9, once it is safe to do so.”

Today, the same newspaper, was reporting (here) that the removal of gas cylinders - identified by the Health and Safety Executive - appears to have eliminated that possible cause of the fire.

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Business group leader urges Visitor Levy money to be spent on city centre streets

AN appeal to spend money - raised by charging visitors for overnight stays in Edinburgh - on ‘upgrading’ Princes Street and George Street has reportedly been made by the head of a city centre business representative group.

Roddy Smith, chief executive of Essential Edinburgh, is quoted in the Edinburgh Evening News, here, as saying: “There's no excuse now, because there is a pot of money there to do it."

He was referring to the Visitor Levy, which came into effect last Friday.

The levy is expected to raise £45-50 million a year by 2028/29.

In February, city councillors agreed a package of levy funding worth over £90 million over the next three years, as detailed here.

At the special, Visitor Levy meeting of the council in February (here), it was also agreed that some additional projects will be considered in 2027/28 (subject to agreement by the relevant council committees).

Following a workshop scheduled for September, councillors are expected to consider the next stage in the ‘Princes Street and Waverley Valley strategy’, including what to do with any unallocated levy monies.

Edinburgh Trams: passenger numbers up, revenue up, but losses also up

SOME 12.5m passengers used Edinburgh’s tram network last year - according to the company’s 2025 annual accounts, just published, here.

The figure is a record high for the trams network: up 3.3 per cent on the previous year, 2024, itself a record high.

And, in a similar vein, revenue had also gone up: £33.1m last year, up from £28.9m in 2024.

But losses are also mounting - not least because of an annual leasing (of ‘assets’ such as the track) payment to the city council.

In an useful summary, The Herald’s Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco reports on the tap-on, tap-off system, online sales, a new governance structure, energy costs, the value of assets, staff wages and a ‘golden goodbye’ to the former chief executive (now at Blackpool Transport).

Read him, here.

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Muriel Spark memorial to be an abstract design

A MEMORIAL to the late writer, Muriel Spark - planned for Princes Street Gardens, the first of its kind in the gardens honouring a woman - is going to be abstract rather than figurative.

Still to receive planning permission, the memorial design has been explained by its artist, Jacqueline Donachie, in a feature on the Edinburgh Inquirer website, here.

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£8.5m funding boost for Art Works project

A NATIONAL Galleries of Scotland project - to be built in Granton - has received £8.5m from The National Lottery, to enable construction work to go ahead.

The Art Works - believed to become the largest cultural building in Scotland designed to the exacting energy efficiency standard, Passivhaus - will allow the National Galleries of Scotland to put on show an estimated 130,000 items.

Read more, here on the National Galleries of Scotland website.

The story is picked up by, among others, ProjectScotland.com, here, and Museums Journal, here.

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Litter picks, on Sunday and Tuesday

A LITTER pick is taking place on Sunday, at Victoria Park.

It kicks off at 2.30pm and is being organised by ‘Friends’ of the park.

And there’s a second litter pick taking place: this time on Tuesday, beginning at Henderson Gardens Park, in Leith, before moving on to nearby Yardheads / Giles Street.

It begins at 7pm and is being organised by Edinburgh Trash Club.

Kit provided.

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Refurbishment plans for Portobello swim centre ‘moving forward’

A 90-plus per cent approval rating has given the city’s sport and leisure organisation, Edinburgh Leisure, the confidence to ‘move forward’ with plans to refurbish Portobello swim centre.

Says Edinburgh Leisure, here: “[A] consultation, carried out independently during May and June, gathered views from customers, user groups and local residents. It found that 91 per cent of respondents support investment in the centre, while 95 per cent recognise it as an important community asset.”

The story is picked up by The Edinburgh Reporter website, here.

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Summerhall road junction redesign gets short shrift from cyclists

THE redesign of a road junction - at Summerhall - has angered many cyclists, if the responses to a city council social media post are anything to go by.

It follows the posting of a video - here - on the council’s Bluesky account.

And the design also gets pretty short shrift on the eNewsletter, Edi.Bike - here.

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Event to examine west city neighbourhood projects

MAJOR neighbourhood projects earmarked for west Edinburgh are to be the subject of an event being hosted by the city’s Chamber of Commerce.

Begins the promotional blurb: “West Edinburgh is undergoing one of the most significant transformation programmes in the UK, with a cluster of major developments reshaping the area into a new economic, residential and innovation district for the city and for Scotland.

“This panel will take a strategic look at the full west Edinburgh growth corridor, examining how coordinated investment can helping tackling the housing crisis, unlocking new commercial and innovation capacity, and driving sustainable, inclusive economic growth.”

It is taking place on the 19th of next month.

Read more, here.

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Flats proposal submitted for house in Merchiston

A PLANNING application has been submitted to turn a house in Merchiston into 11 flats.

The application - here, ref:26/02638/FUL - reads: “Change of use of existing dwellinghouse to form six flats, demolition of existing extension and garage, and erection of replacement extensions to form five flats including landscaping, and associated works.”

The architects are ISA.

The story is picked up by the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper, here.

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Subscriber numbers and the opportunity to share

AS of earlier today, the number of subscribers of BuildEdinburgh had broken through the 700 mark, to sit at 720.

Thank you, to each and every one of you.

As a thank you, the paywall to the archive has been removed.

And do please help spread the word, by using the social media sharing icon accompanying each and every bit of editorial.

If you are a free subscriber and feel like providing the site with even more backing, our annual paying member subscription has been discounted to £20 - returning to the standard £30 tomorrow.

Finally, if each and every one of you were to type, ‘BuildEdinburgh’, into your internet search engine, who knows how much the site could climb up the ‘search results’ rankings.

All the best, Mike Wilson, editor

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Road closure at Holyrood Park

A HOLYROOD Park road has been closed to pedestrians and cyclists for what are being described as “urgent electricity network repairs”.

Says SP Energy Networks, Duddingston Low Road is expected to be closed until next Friday, with a diversion in place using the Innocent Railway Path.

The story is picked up by The Edinburgh Reporter website, here.

More details, here, on the SP Energy Networks website.

Main image details: Ross Fountain, Princes Street Gardens; all images: copyright Mike Wilson

In today’s edition:

• Views sought on Leith Theatre’s future;

• Gilmerton guidelines published;

• Fears for empty cinema;

• Edinburgh Park office block reportedly sold;

• Gorgie Road closure lifted a week early;

• Visitor levy kicks in today;

• Marchmont bins’ ‘misery’;

• Average house price, Scotland;

• Argyle House amendments expected when planning application finally submitted;

• Residents reportedly asked to move out of their homes, to allow for mineshaft repairs;

• Wanted: community heritage officer for Granton;

• Currie plot of land being marketed for sale;

• Cowgate experience gives former council leader confidence of Princes Street recovery; and

• Enjoy, see you next Friday!

Views sought on Leith Theatre’s future

VIEWS are being sought on the future refurbishment of Leith Theatre.

Begin an online survey, here: “Leith Theatre is working towards reopening as a vibrant venue for live music, performances and community events. We are speaking to people across Leith, Edinburgh and beyond to understand what makes venues feel welcoming, what kinds of events people enjoy and how this historic building can best serve the community.”

Said a spokesperson: “A design team is already in place, as part of a development-funded programme from National Lottery Heritage Fund.

“Early work has included completion of ‘RIBA Stage 1’ [preparation and brief].”

Gilmerton guidelines published

A NEW set of guidelines, to help shape the future of Gilmerton, has been published by the city council’s planning team.

Says the team, here, the ‘Gilmerton Conservation Area Character Appraisal’ was approved by the council’s Planning committee (here) on the 17th of last month.

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Fears for empty cinema

THE owner of the Odeon cinema on Clerk Street has reportedly been busy with lots of different other projects - including The Scotsman Hotel - since he is believed to have purchased the Art Deco building 12 years ago.

But a long read on the Edinburgh Inquirer website - here - speaks of fears (and ambitions among local people) about the cinema’s future.

Says writer, Emma Newlands: “The council said it would not normally get involved in any stalled development proposals for a site, with the owner of the property responsible for progressing such work.”

Edinburgh Park office block reportedly sold

A PROMINENT office block in Edinburgh Park has been reportedly sold to a Manchester-based investment and development company.

The new owners are understood to be Hurstwood Holdings.

The story is picked up by The Scotsman newspaper, here, The Herald, here and the website, Project Scotland, here.

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Gorgie Road closure lifted a week early

A SIX-month road closure has been lifted on Gorgie Road, in west Edinburgh, a week earlier than envisaged, following the completion of work to make the Water of Leith cleaner.

Says Scottish Water, in a media release, the £3m project “involved constructing a new overflow chamber with a powered screen to reduce sewer-related debris entering the watercourse during heavy rainfall events”.

It adds: “Traffic management which was in place between Robb’s Loan and Hutchison Crossway for six months was removed a week earlier than planned and this busy junction has now been fully reopened.”

The story is picked up by the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper, here.

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Visitor levy kicks in today

A MODEST charge for overnight stays by visitors to Edinburgh begins today: the Visitor Levy, as announced, here, by the city council.

Says the council: “A five per cent fee will now apply to the cost of all paid overnight accommodation in Scotland’s capital city, capped at five nights in a row. The levy is charged at the same rate every day of the year.”

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Marchmont bins’ ‘misery’

BEGINS Ian Swanson, in the Edinburgh Evening News: “A [Marchmont] resident who lives with a bin hub right outside her house says ‘every day is a misery’ as she is confronted by flytipped furniture, the noise of smashing glass, the smell of mouldy food and personal waste strewn in the street.”

Read more, here.

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Average house price, Scotland

THE average house price in Scotland during May was £196,000 - according to the Registers of Scotland.

Says RoS, here, the figure is four per cent up on 12 months’ previously and 1.5 per cent on the previous month, April.

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Argyle House amendments expected when planning application finally submitted

A REDUCTION in the height of a proposed hotel and residential development on the site of the Brutalist building, Argyle House - on Lady Lawson Street - is expected when its owners finally submit a planning application, within the next couple of months.

The likely amendment - which is expected to include the upper floors to the proposal being ‘stepped back’ - follows two public consultation events as part of the developer’s original ideas, contained in a Proposal of Application Notice (here, ref: 25/05912/PAN).

Says the PAN: “Demolition of existing building and redevelopment of the site for mixed-use development comprising residential, hotel and office use with ancillary commercial spaces, associated open space, car parking landscaping and ancillary works.”

The amendment details were shared at a third public event, held on the 14th.

The story is picked up, here, by the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.

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Residents reportedly asked to move out of their homes, to allow for mineshaft repairs

RESIDENTS of new housing in Gilmerton have reportedly been asked to move out of their homes, for an estimated eight weeks, to allow for repairs to mineshaft workings underneath their properties.

Reports Chloe Goodall, on the Edinburgh Live website, here, the affected properties are on Gilbert View.

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Wanted: community heritage officer for Granton

A PROJECT ‘linking and restoring the fragmented heritage of Granton Waterfront’ is looking to recruit a ‘community heritage officer’.

The job advert - with a deadline for applications being the third of next month - can be found, here.

Also wanted: a Heat Network development officer, at Porty Community Energy. Deadline: the sixth of next month. Details here.

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Currie plot of land being marketed for sale

AN 0.2-acre plot of land in Currie - with planning permission for nine flats - is being marketed for sale, at offers over £500,000. Here.

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Cowgate experience gives former council leader confidence of Princes Street recovery

THE way the city responded to a major fire in the Cowgate in 2002 (as reported here, by the BBC) has given former city council leader, Donald Anderson, reason to believe Edinburgh will recover from the fire that a couple of weeks ago severely damaged the Debenhams building on Princes Street.

In his regular column for the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper - here - he writes: “The destruction [in the Cowgate] was immense and there were genuine fears that the area could take decades to recover. But recover it did.”

Image details: Circus Lane, Stockbridge; copyright Mike Wilson

In today’s edition:

• Planning-in-principle application being sought to demolish and develop Scottish Water offices;

• 275 homes proposal for Granton waterfront;

• Speculation that the fire-damaged Debenhams building might be sold, but then again…;

• ‘Grand vision’ call issued again for Princes Street;

• Updates on the day-to-day impacts of the fire;

• Expansion works completed at primary school;

• Talks expected to conclude with the sale of Powderhall former rail line;

• Site news;

• Work begins on new Liberton fire station;

• Litter picking dates for your diary;

• Further homes released for sale at ‘Edmonstone Village’;

• Residents reportedly urged to seek temporary accommodation, amid fire safety concerns;

• Bruntsfield Links golf hut refurbished;

• ‘Homelessness prevention fund’ issues first tranche of money;

• Office-to-hotel conversion reportedly set to soon open;

• Awards shortlisting for The Pitt;

• Residents reportedly ‘furious’ about resubmitted Leith planning application;

• Date set for palm houses re-opening; and

• Enjoy, see you next Friday!

Planning-in-principle application being sought to demolish and develop Scottish Water offices

PLANNING-in-principle is being sought to demolish a standalone office block on Buckstone Terrace owned by Scottish Water.

The application is to demolish and replace it with a mixed-use development, as explained here, ref: 26/02900/PPP.

The proposal was preceded by two public consultation events in March.

Should the PiP be approved, it is expected the site - which includes a large amount of car parking, some of which sits above vital water supply infrastructure - will be marketed for sale.

The next meeting of the city council’s Development Management sub-committee (where such applications are usually considered) is not until the fifth of next month (here), with no agenda as yet uploaded.

The local Fairmilehead Community Council is expected to soon host a public meeting, for residents to discuss the PiP.

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275 homes proposal for Granton waterfront

A PROPOSAL of Application Notice (PAN) has been submitted by the city council, to develop two plots of land in Granton into 275 homes - a mix of ‘council’ and private-for-sale.

The application - here, ref 26/02827/PAN - are for plots ‘B1’ and ‘B2’ within what’s being described as the wider Granton Waterfront Masterplan. Specifically, 250m east of 11 West Shore Road.

Being a PAN requires public consultation, ahead of submitting a more formal planning application.

Two such events have been organised - each taking place at the refurbished former Granton railway station, from 4pm to 7pm: the 24th of next month and the 28th of September.

The story is picked up by the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper, here.

There are also primary school plans for the area - as detailed in this PAN, here (ref: 26/02763/PAN).

Read more, here, on The Edinburgh Reporter website.

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Speculation that the fire-damaged Debenhams building might be sold, but then again…

THERE is speculation that the owners of the fire-ravaged former Debenhams store on Princes Street could pull out, on account of it likely remaining a ‘gap site’ for a relatively long time.

Writes Ian Swanson, in the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper - here - a new planning application would be required to progress the hotel plans because of the need, as supposedly recommended by engineers, to remove the upper two floors.

Then again, because of the fire damage, the refurbishment conditions could be less onerous.

And there is further speculation - again reported by Ian Swanson - of a delay in the construction of a hotel, by the Ruby Group, in the empty (following demolition) plot immediately next to the Debenhams building. Here.

Meanwhile, the Edinburgh Inquirer website - here - considers what of the building might be saved.

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‘Grand vision’ call issued again for Princes Street

A CALL has been made for Princes Street to be the centre of a plan every bit as ambitious as that which created the New Town - according to The Scotsman newspaper columnist, the broadcaster Stephen Jardine.

Writes (here) Jardine, who is also president of the heritage body, The Cockburn Association: “Where is the great vis­ion or grand plan on the scale of the ambi­tion that young James Craig had when he designed the New Town in 1767?

“We are becom­ing stu­pidly care­less with our won­der­ful built her­it­age and his­tory.

“We need to safe­guard the build­ings and agree a bold vis­ion for the future before the wail of fire engines echoes down Princes Street again.”

It’s not the first time such a call has been made by either Jardine or others.

PS BuildEdinburgh has pulled together several long-form articles about Princes Street, available to read here. Does that make the website a ‘stakeholder’, eligible to take part in council-organised ‘summits’? It would be nice to think so.

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Updates on the day-to-day impacts of the fire

UPDATES of how the fire damage is affecting the likes of bus and tram travel (with the affected section of Princes Street expected to be closed ‘into August’ - says the city council, here), plus plans to temporarily pedestrianise George Street, are being shared on a dedicated website page, launched by the city council - here.

Meanwhile, the question is being asked: if Princes Street needed to be closed in the future (for whatever reason), where would buses go if George Street was also closed off, following it being wholly pedestrianised - as has been recently advocated? The question comes from local elected member, Cllr Iain Whyte, here in the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.

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Expansion works completed at primary school

A NEAR £5m expansion of a primary school in the south of the city has been completed.

Six new classrooms, extra office space and ‘improved’ outdoor facilities have been added to Frogston Primary School. Costing, more accurately, £4.6m.

Says a media release (here) issued on behalf of consulting civil, structural and conservation engineers, Will Rudd: “The original school building, completed in 2021, was designed with future expansion in mind as part of The City of Edinburgh Council’s strategy to cater for several new significant housing developments included in the City Plan 2030.

“Foundations were extended at the time to allow the new accommodation to tie seamlessly into the existing substructure. The latest works also include new external facilities and landscaping, with materials carefully selected to match the appearance of the original building.”

The story is picked up by The Herald newspaper, here, and North Edinburgh News, here.

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Talks expected to conclude with the sale of Powderhall former rail line

TALKS are taking place between owners, Network Rail, and the city council with a view to the latter purchasing a former rail line, at Powderhall, to be turned in an ‘active travel’ (walking, cycling, wheeling) path.

It follows a Freedom of Information set of questions submitted by campaigners to Network Rail, which drew the response: “We are currently in discussion with Edinburgh Council about a sale for an Active travel project. As these talks are still underway, we do not have any definitive information as to what extent of the land would be sold or transferred. However, it’s anticipated that the full branch [line] would be sold.”

Read more, here, on the campaign website.

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Site news

LAST week’s offer of a discounted price to upgrade from free membership of BuildEdinburgh to paying is being extended.

The £30-a-year to £20-a-year offer was meant to end tomorrow.

But a community group eNewsletter mentioning the website - for which huge thanks - managed, for some reason, to give the impression the discount is going to continue until the end of the month.

So, the end of the month it is.

Your financial support of BuildEdinburgh will help the site develop its editorial offering.

It is much appreciated.

Work begins on new Liberton fire station

WORK has begun, building a replacement fire station in Liberton.

Says the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, here: “It will be the first new-build station in Edinburgh in more than 30 years and the first anywhere in Scotland since the creation of the national service in 2013.”

Its estimated cost is £10m.

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Litter picking dates for your diary

A LITTER pick is taking place tomorrow, on Calton Hill.

It is kicking off at 10am.

It is being organised by Calton Hill Conservation Trust. Details here.

And another litter pick is taking place - this time on Tuesday evening, from 7pm - at the foot of Cromwell Place, in Leith, where it meets Commercial Street.

It’s being organised by the Edinburgh Trash Club, which has also announced an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ appeal for people to take part in a litter pick on the 29th of next month.

At Marine Esplanade, from 11am-1pm.

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Further homes released for sale at ‘Edmonstone Village’

A FURTHER 14 homes have been released - for sale - in a housing development at ‘Edmonstone Village’, off Old Dalkeith Road, near Danderhall.

When it is completed, in about six years’ time, Edmonstone Village is expected to comprise 312 homes, costing £87m to build - developed by Avant Homes.

The story is picked up by the Edinburgh Evening News, here.

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Residents reportedly urged to seek temporary accommodation, amid fire safety concerns

WIDELY reported in the media: Residents of an apartment block in Bonnington have been reportedly urged to find temporary accommodation, due to concerns about the fire safely of their building.

Read more about Bonnington Bond, here (BBC), here (STV), here (The Scotsman) and here (Edinburgh Evening News).

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Bruntsfield Links golf hut refurbished

THE wee golf hut at Bruntsfield Links, opposite Barclay Church, has been refurbished - thanks to sponsorship from the owners of the nearby JA The Bruntsfield hotel.

The story is picked up by The Herald newspaper, here.

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Office-to-hotel conversion reportedly set to soon open

A CONVERTED office block, barely 400m from Haymarket rail station, is reportedly set to open as a hotel on the fifth of next month.

The block is to be a Meininger hotel.

The building is understood to be owned and been developed by S Harrison.

Among the media outlets reporting the story is Urban Realm website, here.

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‘Homelessness prevention fund’ issues first tranche of money

BEGINS a news release issued by the Scottish Government, here: “Halfway through the first 100 days of the Scottish Government formed in May, the rollout of an expanded ten-year £50 million Homelessness Prevention Fund is underway.

“£1 million is being made available for a second year to enable social landlords and third sector organisations to support tenants to stay in their homes.”

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Awards shortlisting for The Pitt

THE Pitt street food, venue and ‘community hub, in Granton, has been shortlisted by awards recognising the retrofitting and reuse of buildings.

The awards - (here) being run by the Architects’ Journal - have been organised over various categories, with The Pitt shortlisted in the ‘Future Reuse’ one.

Its designers are S+CO.

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Residents reportedly ‘furious’ about resubmitted Leith planning application

THE front page of today’s Edinburgh Evening News is reporting that residents in Leith are ‘furious’ at a resubmitted planning application that they say is barely any different to one that was recently withdrawn.

The application is to sub-divide and redevelop a car park adjacent to the Malmaison Hotel, on The Shore, into a five-storey block comprising 18 apartments - here, ref: 26/02684/FUL.

The withdrawn application can be found here, ref: 26/00167/FUL. It is not known why the original application was withdrawn (if there is a reason in the documentation accompanying the current planning application, it’s not easy to find).

Read the Edinburgh Evening News article, here.

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Date set for palm houses re-opening

HISTORIC palm houses at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh are set to re-open to the general public, follow a restoration programme lasting, it is understood, five years.

Says RBGE, here, a date of October 2 has been set for the re-opening of the Category A-listed buildings.

The story is picked up by the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper, here.

Image details: Just off Ferry Road / Crewe Toll; copyright Mike Wilson

In today’s edition:

• Huge fire at the former Debenhams building;

• ‘Affordable’ homes for ‘visitor economy’ workers;

• Relocation achieved by Social Bite Village;

• St James Quarter reportedly to soon hit the 100 million visitors mark;

• Padel tennis application submitted for Braid Hills Golf Centre;

• Leith Theatre removed from at-risk register;

• Site news;

• 1960s Edinburgh house named ‘the most perfectly-preserved example’;

• Edinburgh Napier University campus expected to be put up for sale;

• New arena stalled?;

• Muriel Spark monument competition announces its winner;

• Several city streets to be closed for the summer;

• Walking tour of ‘20th century Morningside’;

• ‘Climate-conscious design’ - drinks and conversation;

• Tenth birthday for Balgreen Community Garden;

• Inch Park litter pick;

• ‘Topping out’ ceremony celebrated at Leith student accommodation project;

• Call made to support the repair and maintenance of ‘at risk’ outlying buildings and locations;

• Cycle group issues appeal for commendations;

• History of former bingo hall and the La Scala cinema; and

• Enjoy, see you next Friday!

Huge fire at the former Debenhams building

A HUGE fire - on the upper floors of the vacant former Debenhams building (pictured) on Princes Street - has received widespread media coverage, with the BBC among those ‘first on the scene’ (here).

Reports the BBC: “Debenhams closed in May 2021, following a large fire that April.

“In 2021, [pensions, life insurance, etc company] Legal and General planned a £50m revamp of the building including a 207-room boutique hotel and ‘hospitality hub’, but this fell through.

“The old department store site was then bought by Criterion Capital, the development company headed up by billionaire, Asif Aziz.

“He planned to turn it into a ‘Zedwell’ hotel, which would be the first in Scotland if successful.”

It is believed that work on the Zedwell hotel has been recently taking place in the building.

Adds fellow broadcasters, STV, here, the upper floors have been completely destroyed and the building is deemed too unsafe to enter.

Meanwhile, The Herald quotes, here, a Criterion Capital spokesperson, as saying: “In respect of the fire at the former Debenhams building on Princes Street, Edinburgh, in the early hours of this morning, our immediate priority is the safety of everyone involved.

“There have been no reported injuries, and we are very grateful to the emergency services for their swift response and professionalism.

“This building is an important and historic part of Edinburgh’s city centre, and we continue to liaise with the emergency services and relevant authorities.”

The building is understood to be Category B-listed. The Scotsman newspaper reports, here, of fears that an ‘ornate Victorian library’ might be among the ‘architectural treasures’ lost in the fire.

The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland has - here - called for specialist conservation engineering advice to be sought before any decisions are taken about demolition.

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‘Affordable’ homes for ‘visitor economy’ workers

OVER hundred ‘affordable’ flats are being built for people working in the city’s ‘visitor economy’.

Reports Emma Newlands, for the Edinburgh Inquirer website (here), the blocks are due to open - Meadowbank and Fountainbridge - in 18 months’ time.

And they are going to be paid for by a visitor levy, a modest charge from later this month - the 24th - for overnight stays by visitors (explained here).

Last year, the city council agreed to ring-fence £5m per annum from the levy, for what it calls a Housing and Tourism Mitigation Fund.

As explained in council papers, here: “On 24 January 2025, The City of Edinburgh Council approved the adoption of the Visitor-Levy-for-Edinburgh scheme, including a Housing and Tourism Mitigation Fund which is £5 million per annum between 2026/27 and 2028/29.

“This report sets out a recommendation for spend of the fund. This could enable around 472 affordable homes to commence construction between 2026/27 and 2028/29; with more than 75 per cent of those being for social rent.

“The provision of new, permanent social rented homes would enable households in unsuitable bed and breakfast temporary accommodation to access settled accommodation, enabling B&B’s to be returned to the visitor sector.”

The paper adds: “It is acknowledged that people may change occupation during their tenancy and the council would not end tenancies because of this.”

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Relocation achieved by Social Bite Village

THE relocation and official opening has taken place of a ‘village’, comprising ‘tiny houses’, in Granton - for people experiencing homelessness.

The village has been moved just five minutes from its original location.

Operators, Social Bite, announced the opening, here.

PS Apologies: a limit on word length in last week’s news round-up meant it was not possible to slip this story in.

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St James Quarter reportedly to soon hit the 100 million visitors mark

ST James Quarter is reportedly about to break the 100 million visitors mark, as it celebrates its fifth birthday.

The Herald’s Scott Wright interviews estate manager, Anne Ledgerwood, here.

He notes that the mall is to be rebranded ‘Westfield St James Quarter’ in September.

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Padel tennis application submitted for Braid Hills Golf Centre

A COVERED padel tennis facility is being applied for, at Braid Hills Golf Centre.

Says a planning application - here, ref: 26/02521/FUL - the proposal is for the area to the east of the centre entrance, that is currently a ‘short game’ practice area.

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Leith Theatre removed from at-risk register

LEITH Theatre has been removed from a theatres-at-risk register.

Says the Theatres Trust, here, Leith Theatre is joined by Sheffield’s Abbeydale Picture House in being removed from the list.

Reports The Herald newspaper’s Gabriel McKay, here: “The historic Edinburgh venue was given £4.5m for renovation last year in a bid to see it reopen, with the entire project expected to cost around £10m.”

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Site news

THANK you to those of you who took up the offer of the site’s discounted (from £30 to £20) paying subscription.

As announced last Friday.

Every £ helps in shaping how the website might improve its offering, to readers.

That discounted rate will continue until a week tomorrow (Saturday, the 18th), at which point all the longer-form content will be for paying subscribers only and potentially - from Friday 24th - the weekly news round-up too (still swithering, on that one).

BuildEdinburgh now comprises almost 250 individual posts, none of which have been produced out of thin air.

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1960s Edinburgh house named ‘the most perfectly-preserved example’

A 1960s Edinburgh house has been given star billing on a website that describes itself as ‘the home of hip houses and stylish interiors’.

Says WowHaus, here, of the property on Braid Hills Road: “This 1960s mid-century modern house in Edinburgh is perhaps the most perfectly-preserved example of the style I’ve seen.”

In its email to subscribers, WowHaus also said: “I don't usually do newsletters for one house, but this is one I'll make an exception for.”

A ‘closing date’ of Wednesday had been set for the house, it being advertised for sale at offers over £725,000, here.

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Edinburgh Napier University campus expected to be put up for sale

THE Merchiston campus - near Holy Corner - of Edinburgh Napier University is expected to be soon put up for sale.

It is understood an estimated £220m would be required to carry out repairs to the site, partly because of the existence of the ‘crumbling concrete’ build system, Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

It is understood there is a relatively small amount of RAAC at the Merchiston campus, with the £220m estimated repair figure relating more closely to increasing costs of materials and construction and the working lifespan of the building.

Says a statement issued by the university: “We continue to provide life-changing teaching for students alongside leading research and innovation.

“Our Merchiston campus is no longer fit for the future, and we want to provide enhanced facilities going forward. We are therefore now considering alternative options elsewhere, and this process is in its early stages.”

There is speculation (including here on the Edinburgh Inquirer website) that a replacement site at South Gyle might be already on the cards.

More reading: The Edinburgh Reporter website, here.

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New arena stalled?

BEGINS The Herald newspaper’s Brian Ferguson, here: “Edinburgh’s long-awaited indoor concert arena [at Edinburgh Park] has stalled due to challenges in the Scottish construction industry, The Herald can reveal.

“Work is yet to start on the 8,500-capacity venue, more than two years after planning permission was secured, due to problems finding a main contractor and supply chain issues.”

The story is picked up by the DailyBusiness website, here.

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Muriel Spark monument competition announces its winner

FROM 54 entries, an artist has been chosen to produce a permanent public monument in Princes Street Gardens to the acclaimed Scottish novelist, the late Dame Muriel Spark.

Jacqueline Donachie has been named the winner of a Spirit of Spark competition, which was launched in November last year.

Say the organisers, the next stage in the project will be the unveiling of Jacqueline’s detailed design for the memorial in the autumn, with autumn next year the scheduled date for completion and installation.

It is believed that it will be the first-ever permanent memorial to a woman in the gardens.

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Several city streets to be closed for the summer

GEORGE Street and several streets in the Old Town are to be closed between a week on Sunday and September 7.

The ‘summer streets’ scheme has been announced - here - by the city council.

Adds the council, here: “In summer, we see over 5,000 people moving through the Lawnmarket every hour.”

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Walking tour of ‘20th century Morningside’

TICKETS are - at the time of writing - all sold. But it might be worth periodically checking for returns for a walking tour of ‘20th century Morningside’.

The event - being hosted by Docomomoscotland, which campaigns for the conservation of Scotland’s 20th century built heritage - is taking place a fortnight tomorrow.

Details, here.

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‘Climate-conscious design’ - drinks and conversation

ALSO for your diary, if you are interested in ‘climate-conscious design’, the Scottish Ecological Design Association is hosting drinks and conversation in The Diggers’s sister pub in Leith.

On the 28th. Details here.

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Tenth birthday for Balgreen Community Garden

A COMMUNITY garden in Balgreen is celebrating its tenth birthday, after being created from a ‘neglected corner’ of the walkway along the Water of Leith river.

Says the Water of Leith Conservation Trust - here - the garden site had been previously “battered by construction works, tram developments and even hungry rabbits”.

Adds the Trust: “A decade on, Balgreen Community Garden remains a wonderful example of how a neglected space can be transformed through partnership, perseverance and a shared love of nature; oh, and of course, many hundreds of hours of volunteer time to maintain.”

Inch Park litter pick

A LITTER pick is taking place at Inch Park tomorrow, from 11am.

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‘Topping out’ ceremony celebrated at Leith student accommodation project

A ‘TOPPING out’ ceremony has been celebrated at a 604-bed student accommodation project on Baltic Street, Leith.

‘Topping out’ is when the building construction reaches its maximum height.

Says the scheme’s design and build contractor, McAleer & Rushe, here: “The milestone was celebrated on site with developer, HUB; funding partners, Bridges Fund Management and Housing Growth Partnership; and members of the wider project team, recognising the completion of the scheme’s main structure and the continued progress being made across the development.”

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Call made to support the repair and maintenance of ‘at risk’ outlying buildings and locations

A CALL has been made for Edinburgh’s more outlying historic buildings and locations to be considered every bit as worthy of repair and maintenance as those within the UNESCO World Heritage site city centre.

Donald Anderson - a former city council leader - used his weekly column in the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper (here) to celebrate the fact that the city centre no longer has any buildings deemed ‘at risk’.

But he urged attention needs now to be turned to the city’s more outlying properties and locations, such as the underground tunnels at Gilmerton: Gilmerton Cove.

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Cycle group issues appeal for commendations

THE Lothian cycle campaigning group, Spokes, has issued an appeal for commendations.

The appeal is to help the group celebrate its 50th birthday next year - as detailed here.

And Spokes is specifically looking for testimony as to how the group has benefitted people.

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History of former bingo hall and the La Scala cinema

THE history of a former bingo hall and the La Scala cinema on Nicholson Street - now the subject of a refurbishment planning application - has been penned by local historian, Andy Arthur, on his website, Threadinburgh.

Here.

The planning application - to turn it into a cafe and occasional event space - can be viewed, here (ref: 26/01757/FUL).

Photos of the building’s current interior can be viewed on the website of the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper, here.

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Image details: copyright Antonia Reeve

In today’s edition:

• Provisional approval given to New Town Quarter, following appeal;

• ‘Urgent briefing’ agreed, to explain high schools’ alleged over-crowding;

• Scottish Widows building earmarked for ‘selective demolition’ and hotel;

• Three gold medals for Edinburgh entries in the architecture section of the Scottish Design Awards;

• City Plan 2040: call for ideas issued and ‘first stage’ completed;

• ‘Public realm improvement’ contract being advertised for St Andrew Square;

• Edinburgh named second most ‘beautiful’ city in the world;

• Over-tourism concerns raised in Edinburgh Evening News feature;

• Site news;

• Pentlands to Portobello path;

• Four Edinburgh buildings added to ‘at risk’ register;

• George IV Bridge scaffolding;

• ‘Eco-friendly’ flats proposal submitted for Fairmilehead;

• Uncertainty hangs over fate of city bridge;

• Call reportedly made for more space to be allocated to pedestrians;

• Cyclists feeling safer?;

• Concern raised about food delivery eBikes on cycle paths;

• Niddrie mural restored;

• The fightback against Dutch elm disease;

• Newhaven litter pick;

• Relocation scheduled for Reiach and Hall Architects;

• Reparation scheme clocks up just under 50,000 hours of ‘urban improvement’;

• Review of outdoor seating charges being called for by petition; and

• Enjoy, see you next Friday!

Provisional approval given to New Town Quarter, following appeal

PROVISIONAL approval has been given to a ‘mixed-use’ development - known as the New Town Quarter - at the bottom of Dundas Street that had been rejected by the city council amid concerns of over-provision of student accommodation.

The site - previously occupied by Royal Bank of Scotland offices - had been the subject of a planning application - here, ref: 25/01899/FUL - that had been refused in December by the city council’s Development Management sub-committee, as reported here, on BuildEdinburgh.

But the developers - local firm, Ediston - successfully appealed the decision with the Scottish Government.

Says the adjudication by the government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) - here: “The reporter is minded to grant permission subject to a legal agreement being reached. The final decision has therefore been deferred for the period detailed in the Notice of Intention to allow the conclusion of that agreement.”

Construction work is currently ongoing at the site: the residential (and affordable housing) element of the scheme.

The story is picked up by the Broughton Spurtle eNewsletter, here.

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‘Urgent briefing’ agreed, to explain high schools’ alleged over-crowding

CITY councillors have agreed that an ‘urgent briefing’ be pulled together to explain how alleged over-crowding issues, at two of Edinburgh’s most recently-built secondary schools, are going to be managed.

It follows an emergency motion submitted to the city council’s Education, Children and Families committee last week (here), that was accompanied by deputations from parent representation groups at James Gillespie’s and Boroughmuir high schools.

The motion read: “Committee agrees that this matter is urgent and requires immediate attention in advance of final staffing, timetabling and budget decisions for the 2026/27 academic year.

“Committee therefore requests: an urgent briefing within ten working days, involving senior officers, ward councillors, representatives of the Rising Rolls Working Group, and representatives of affected school communities, to provide a clear plan for managing school roll pressures in 2026/27 that includes: (1) Actions already agreed or in development; (2) Allocation of responsibilities for actions; and (3) A delivery timeline.”

The story has been picked up by The Scotsman’s Catriona Stewart, who writes, here: “Edin­burgh city coun­cil has been told that pres­sure on space at Bor­ough­muir and James Gillespie’s high schools has become so severe that some vul­ner­able chil­dren are refus­ing to attend due to how stress­ful they find the build­ing.”

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Scottish Widows building earmarked for ‘selective demolition’ and hotel

WHAT is being described as ‘selective demolition’ of the former Scottish Widows category A-lised building on Dalkeith Road, is being applied for - to make way for a hotel.

A planning application - here, ref: 26/02724/LBC - has been submitted, which says the distinctive hexagonal blocks that front Dalkeith Road will be retained.

The architects are ICA, and the story has been picked up by Urban Realm website, here.

It is understood this proposal doesn’t contain any student accommodation but retains the housing element contained in a previously-approved application (here, ref: 22/04768/LBC).

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Three gold medals for Edinburgh entries in the architecture section of the Scottish Design Awards

THREE Edinburgh entries in the architecture section of the Scottish Design Awards have been awarded gold medals.

In the Interior Design category, gold was secured for the transformation of a former engineering workshop on The Shore, in Leith, into the food and drink space, Brown’s of Leith.

Its designers are locally-based Gras, which also took silver in the Conservation category for its restoration of Preston Tower in East Lothian (here).

Meanwhile, the restoration of the University of Edinburgh students’ union building, Teviot Row House, earned gold in the Retrofit category, here.

And Edinburgh-based Jordan McCrae, at Collective Architecture, was named Young Architect of the Year (here).

In addition, there was a silver in the Future Building or Project category for renovation work scheduled for the Brutalist blocks of flats in Leith - Cables Wynd House and Linksview House (here, and reported by the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper, here).

Meanwhile, in the Low Cost Project Schemes Under 250k category (here), there was a silver for the conversion of a semi-detached bungalow near Craigleith Road (Overlap House - here).

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City Plan 2040: call for ideas issued and ‘first stage’ completed

A ‘CALL for ideas’ has been issued by the city council, to help shape its guiding planning principles and targets for the years 2030 to 2040.

An online survey has been launched by the city council about its City Plan 2040, here, with a deadline for comments being September 30.

Read more on the city council website, here, and on the website of the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper, here.

Meanwhile, City Plan 2040 has already completed its ‘first stage’, and is now with the Scottish Government for ‘permission to progress’.

Says the city council, here: “The Evidence Report is the first stage of the City Plan 2040 process.

“We have completed [it] and it was approved by Planning committee on June 3 and agreed by [the full] council on June 25.

“It will be submitted to the Scottish Government for ‘gate check’, who will decide whether we have sufficient evidence to start to prepare the proposed plan.”

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‘Public realm improvement’ contract being advertised for St Andrew Square

A CONTRACT worth an estimated £2.75m is being advertised, to carry out ‘public realm improvements’ at St Andrew Square.

The contract - uploaded on to the website, Public Contracts Scotland, here - is being offered by the city council.

Among the changes being sought is a two-way cycle lane on the east side of St David Street and along the north side of St Andrew Square and the removal of pay-and-display parking along the northern side of the square, to be replaced with blue badge spaces (for car users with a disability).

The story is picked by by Edinburgh Live website, here.

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Edinburgh named second most ‘beautiful’ city in the world

A SURVEY of Edinburgh residents - asked if they would describe their city as ‘beautiful’ - has resulted in the city being named the second most ‘beautiful’ in the world.

Says media brand, Time Out (here), some 24,000 ‘urbanites’ were surveyed, worldwide - with Cape Town, in South Africa, coming out top.

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Over-tourism concerns raised in Edinburgh Evening News feature

CONCERN has been reported that ‘over-tourism’ might threaten to jeopardise Edinburgh’s status as an UNESCO World Heritage site.

It has been raised - specifically by campaigners against what is being described as a ‘super hostel’ on Atholl Crescent - here in a feature by Callum McCormack in the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.

Read details of a ten-year Old and New Town management plan, here.

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Site news

DESPITE several appeals, BuildEdinburgh has attracted relatively few paying subscribers - thus making it difficult for the site to pursue its several, more ambitious editorial targets.

So, dear reader, please do consider financially supporting the site, so that - for instance - the weekly news round-up can continue to be available to read for free.

The options facing the site are (1) keep as is, (2) longer-form content available only to paying subscribers, (3) both longer-form and the Friday news round-up available only to paying subscribers, and (4) site closure.

Since there is a strong likelihood of the whole site going behind a paywall, for one week only, the annual subscription is available for £20, discounted from the usual £30.

In the meantime, you might not have noticed, but there is a ‘share’ icon at the bottom of each post.

If you consider BuildEdinburgh to be useful, you can at least help spread the word - especially with your local community councillor, city councillor, MSP and MP.

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Pentlands to Portobello path

A WALKING, wheeling and cycling path from the Pentland hills down to Portobello is considered by former city council leader, Donald Anderson, in his now weekly column for the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper, here.

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Four Edinburgh buildings added to ‘at risk’ register

TWO former cinemas are among four Edinburgh buildings that have been added to an ‘at risk’ register operated by an UK-wide heritage body.

The Odeon cinema on Clerk Street and The George on Bath Street, Portobello, have been added to a roster operated by SAVE Britain’s Heritage.

They are joined (as identified, here) by Leith’s Corn Exchange and a former warehouse / pub on Duke Street.

Until recently, the Scottish Government agency, Historic Environment Scotland, operated its own, comprehensive Buildings at Risk register, launched in 1990, that was organised by local authority. It is currently paused, under review (as noted, here).

The story is picked up by Urban Realm website, here, the BBC, here, and the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper, here.

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George IV Bridge scaffolding

A LETTER to The Edinburgh Reporter website has asked for a timescale on the removal of scaffolding from the former G&V Hotel on George IV Bridge.

It follows an impression given at the beginning of last year that it would be soon.

Read more, here.

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‘Eco-friendly’ flats proposal submitted for Fairmilehead

PLANNING permission is being sought, to build three ‘eco-friendly’ flats on the site of former public toilets at Fairmilehead crossroads.

A planning application - here, ref: 26/02374/FUL - concerns toilets sold by the city council ten years ago.

Says the application: “Planning permission was previously applied for to erect a three-storey single dwelling on the site (here, ref: 23/03691/FUL); however this was withdrawn.”

The architects are Kenneth Reid.

The story is picked up by Edinburgh Live website, here.

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Uncertainty hangs over fate of city bridge

A WOODEN foot and cycle bridge in Powderhall has been closed to the public, because of safety concerns.

The bridge - over the Water of Leith and connecting with St Mark’s Park - is understood to have been built in 2008/09, from a hardwood that was claimed to require no preservative or maintenance.

According to answers - from the city council - to questions submitted by the local eNewsletter, the Broughton Spurtle, it’s not known how much it will cost to repair the bridge or whether it will even go ahead.

Read more, here.

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Call reportedly made for more space to be allocated to pedestrians

A CALL has reportedly been made by well-known local architect, Malcolm Fraser, for more space to be allocated to pedestrians, in comparison to that given over to cyclists.

Fraser, is quoted - by The Scotsman’s transport correspondent, Alastair Dalton, here - saying he worries that cyclists have become “greedy”.

Fraser was a speaker at the annual general meeting (here) of the pedestrians group, Living Streets Edinburgh.

Fraser is also quoted saying the ‘zig-zag’ cycle way on Leith Walk is “the most dangerous and complex” cycle lane he knows.

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Cyclists feeling safer?

MEANWHILE, the Edinburgh Inquirer’s Sarah McArthur writes about ‘why cyclists are starting to feel safer on the streets of the capital’ - here.

She writes: “One of [the] more interesting findings is the growing cycle traffic on Picardy Place. That suggests the much-mocked Leith Walk cycle lane - once dubbed the worst in Scotland - has helped increase the popularity of cycling on that route, despite the twisting and turning path it takes along the pavement.”

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Concern raised about food delivery eBikes on cycle paths

ALSO, regular columnist on The Scotsman newspaper, Stephen Jardine, is concerned about eBikes being ridden by food delivery riders on the city’s walking and cycle paths.

In his Saturday column (here), the broadcaster - who is also president of the local heritage body, The Cockburn Association - writes why it might be time to restrict their access.

He is concerned about safety, because of the speed the bikes are often ridden at.

He writes: “Restrict­ing their access to shared spaces like the urban cycle path net­work would be a move in the right dir­ec­tion.”

The previous day, The Edinburgh Reporter website ran a story, headlined: ‘Council leaders challenged over dangerous eBike use’.

Here.

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Niddrie mural restored

A ‘COMMUNITY mural’ has been restored in Niddrie.

Reports the website, Deadline News (here), the work was carried out by volunteers over an 18-month period.

Read more, here (on the website of the Edinburgh Health & Social Care Partnership).

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The fightback against Dutch elm disease

EDINBURGH’S fightback against the devastating consequences of Dutch elm disease is examined by the website, Edinburgh Inquirer.

The city council’s Trees and Woodlands officer, Ian Morrison, is quoted estimating that around 30,000 elms have been lost in the capital since it was first recorded in 1976.

Read more, here.

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Newhaven litter pick

A LITTER pick is taking place on Tuesday evening, in Newhaven.

The event - at the Fishmarket - is being organised by regular litter pickers, the Edinburgh Trash Club.

More details, here.

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Relocation scheduled for Reiach and Hall Architects

ONE of Edinburgh’s best-known architecture firms has purchased a former Royal Mail sorting office, on Strathearn Road, to become its new offices.

Reiach and Hall Architects currently operates out of offices on Darnaway Street.

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Reparation scheme clocks up just under 50,000 hours of ‘urban improvement’

JUST under 50,000 hours of unpaid work was carried out last year in Edinburgh by people found guilty of a criminal offence and sentenced to a ‘community payback’ order.

Among the tasks carried out - as noted here, by the city council - was clearing-up work at a pavilion in Gyle Park, on Ferry Road and at Leith Theatre.

Views are being sought in an online consultation about the orders.

Here.

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Review of outdoor seating charges being called for by petition

A PETITION has been launched, urging the city council to review how much it charges hospitality businesses for setting out outdoor seating and tables.

The appeal also asks for outdoor, advertising ‘A-boards’ to be permitted, under licence (they are currently banned).

The petition has been set up by the Leith-based Shore Business Collective. It is headlined: ‘Make Edinburgh tables and chairs charges fair and introduce licensed A boards for local businesses’.

It closes in September, here.

Details of how to petition the city council can be found, here.

The story is picked up by The Herald newspaper, here.

Six possible BuildEdinburgh petitions, perhaps?

• To set up an information, skills and financing office to support resident-designed housing;

• Launch an ‘open design competition’, to revamp Princes Street, Rose Street and George Street;

• Launch a ‘restoration fund’, to contribute towards the maintenance and gradual improvement of Princes Street, Rose Street and George Street;

• Make ‘open design competitions’ mandatory for housing developments (including student accommodation) in excess of 50 units and other buildings in excess of 10,000 sq ft;

• Launch an explicit and public-facing campaign towards making every bus stop in the city sheltered (check these out, here) and served by an electronic arrivals boards; and

• Redesign the planning applications portal, so that it is more interactive and easier to interrogate.

Image details: Overlooking the Water of Leith, at Bonnington; copyright Mike Wilson

In today’s edition:

• Leith Docks housing development approved;

• Student block provisionally approved, on appeal;

• ‘Bold, ambitious’ solutions being called for growing city;

• ‘Improvement plan’ expected to address ‘fragmented’ approach to city council’s ownership of buildings and land;

• Insight into co-operative organisation;

• £5m upgrade for West Pilton park;

• Trio of Edinburgh entries pick up prizes at Homes awards;

• Architectural practice ‘transitions’ to employee ownership;

• Edinburgh professor appointed chair of ‘circular economy’ overseeing board;

• ‘Active travel’ project delays analysed;

• Award-winning garden finally opens in Victoria Park;

• Princes Street successor shops;

• Padel courts permission being sought;

• The flumes at the ‘Commie’;

• Experience-sharing invite issued to heritage projects;

• Marionville fire station - more;

• Dunard Centre: piling work completed; and

• Enjoy, see you next Friday!

Leith Docks housing development approved

PLANNING-in-principle permission has been approved for a 240-250 unit housing development at Leith Docks.

The development - here, ref: 24/01341/PPP and 24/01343/LBC - is part of a wider ‘Harbour 31’ scheme. The site is north-west of Bath Road.

Says the owner, Forth Ports Ltd, here: “The apartments will be formed over a four-plot development with heights of up to six storeys, with a focus on communal green spaces.

“As well as benefiting from the tram stop at The Port of Leith, the proposed development will include a new transport corridor to encourage sustainable modes of transport, including a bus route, cycle lane and walking route linking Bath Road to Ocean Way.”

The permission was approved by the city council’s Development Management sub-committee, on Wednesday: here, agenda item 6.1.

The story is picked up The Edinburgh Reporter and Edinburgh Live websites, here and here.

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Student block provisionally approved, on appeal

A PLANNING application for a 125-bed student accommodation block on a site on Gillespie Crescent has been provisionally approved, on appeal.

A Scottish Government ‘reporter’ has recommended approval of an appeal (here, ref: PPA-230-2711), following rejection last year by the city council.

Says the Planning and Environment Appeals Division (DPEA) of the Scottish Government: “The reporter is minded to grant permission, subject to a legal agreement being reached. The final decision has therefore been deferred for the period detailed in the Notice of Intention to allow the conclusion of that agreement.”

The scheme (here, ref: 25/02255/FUL) refused by the city council’s Development Management sub-committee in November was its second iteration.

A previous iteration had been refused by both the city council - two years ago - and the Scottish Government, on appeal.

The site - which will involve demolition of an existing complex - used to be owned by the visual impairment charity, Sight Scotland.

The story is picked up Deadline News website, here, and The Herald newspaper, here.

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‘Bold, ambitious’ solutions being called for growing city

‘BOLD and ambitious’ solutions to a rapidly-growing Edinburgh are being called for, by the city council’s transport convener.

Writes Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, in Sunday’s edition of Scotland on Sunday newspaper: “Addressing these challenges [transport, climate change, housing, etc] means being bold and ambitious in our solutions.

“Mass transit, with trams at the heart, is one of the key drivers in making our city work better for everyone. Doing nothing, as some are suggesting, is simply not an option.”

In other words, he supports both the northern leg (which seems to be under some political threat) as well as the southern leg of a proposed new tram route connecting Granton with Little France.

Read more, here.

All the estimates point to quite the increase in the population of Edinburgh, to around 585,838 by 2047 (as noted, here).

And that’s before anticipated similar growth in East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian are factored into what could become a south-east Scotland metropolis.

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‘Improvement plan’ expected to address ‘fragmented’ approach to city council’s ownership of buildings and land

AN ‘improvement plan’ is expected to be investigated by a city council committee, following a report describing the council’s approach to ‘strategic asset management’ - i.e. the many buildings and land holdings it owns - as “fragmented”.

Yesterday, a meeting of the full council - here, agenda item 7.6 - was asked to note a report by Audit Scotland, here, that concluded: “The council’s approach to strategic asset management is fragmented, which makes it harder for the council to make well-informed decisions about priorities. The council does not have an overarching corporate asset management strategy with its approach to asset management spread across several asset management strategies.”

The request to note was by the council’s Governance, Risk and Best Value committee, which is now expected to come up with a way forward on how best to address the issue.

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Insight into co-operative organisation

AN event being hosted by the Edinburgh Student Housing Co-operative, in Bruntsfield, is aiming to help showcase the benefits of running an organisation as a co-operative entity.

Begins the event blurb - here: “Join members of Scottish co-operatives of all kinds for talks, workshops, communal meals… and more!”

It’s a full-day event, kicking off at 10am tomorrow.

One of the participants is Bath Street Housing Co-op.

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£5m upgrade for West Pilton park

A PARK in West Pilton is to undergo a £5m restoration.

Says one of the two partners in the project - Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust (the other partner being the city council): “The funding will deliver improvements across the park, including better access, modern play and skate facilities, new planting and enhanced habitats for wildlife.

“Together, these upgrades will help make West Pilton Park an attractive and welcoming destination for people of all ages to enjoy and use regularly.”

Construction work, which is scheduled to have already begun, is expected to be completed by November next year.

The story is picked up by The Herald newspaper, here.

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Trio of Edinburgh entries pick up prizes at Homes awards

A TRIO of Edinburgh entries have been named winners at an annual awards competition, celebrating Scotland’s housing sector.

Picking up prizes at the Scottish Home Awards (here) were Umega Lettings & Estate Agents (Residential letting team); Village View, AMA Homes (Apartment development) and New Craig at Craighouse, Qmile Group (Renovation).

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Architectural practice ‘transitions’ to employee ownership

AN Edinburgh architectural practice has ‘transitioned’ to employee ownership, after its owners decided to transfer their shares to an Employee Ownership Trust.

The announcement was made - here - by Smith Scott Mullan.

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Edinburgh professor appointed chair of ‘circular economy’ overseeing board

A PROFESSOR at the Edinburgh Futures Institute has been named the chair of a board of experts tasked with overseeing efforts to minimise waste in the construction industry and maximise the re-use of materials.

A ‘mission board’ - including representation from the construction industry - has been set up by not-for-profit environment organisation, Zero Waste Scotland (which is primarily funded by the Scottish Government).

At the beginning of the month, Zero Waste Scotland launched a ‘roadmap’ to promote a ‘circular economy’ in the construction industry - here.

And its over-seeing ‘mission board’ is to be chaired by Prof. Sean Smith, who is director of the Centre for Future Infrastructure at the University of Edinburgh.

As announced here.

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‘Active travel’ project delays analysed

AN analysis of a city council document - detailing pauses to an ‘active travel’ (walking, wheeling, cycling) programme (here) - has found 21 construction projects having their starts delayed and 22 current projects having their end points delayed.

With the longest delay estimated at one year, three months and the average delay one-and-a-half months.

The analysis has been carried out by Harry Williams, who runs City-Scope.co.uk, which tracks Edinburgh planning applications.

Award-winning garden finally opens in Victoria Park

A MULTI award-winning ‘sensory’ garden has finally been opened in Victoria Park.

Drakkars Drift has been designed by Leith resident, Luke Coleman.

Says the city council, here: “Following [his award-winning at RHS Wentworth Woodhouse, in South Yorkshire, last year], an ambitious community fundraising campaign was launched to secure the garden’s future in Edinburgh.

“The original design has since been adapted and expanded to transform a former bowling green in Victoria Park into a vibrant, accessible community space.

“The garden was shaped by feedback from residents, who expressed a desire for more sensory planting in the park. Particular attention has been given to texture, movement, colour, scent and sound, creating an engaging and inclusive experience for all visitors.”

The story is picked up by the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper, here.

Princes Street successor shops

TWO shop premises on Princes Street that suddenly had their doors shut just a few days ago have been taken over by two new names above the door.

Where previously it was House of Treasure and The Edinburgh Gift Vault, it is now Toyland and Scottish Gifts.

Meanwhile, 7DaySmart, next door, also has a new name above its entrance: Essentials.

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Padel courts permission being sought

PLANNING permission is being sought for the erection of two, covered padel courts in Stockbridge.

The application - here, ref: 26/02499/FUL - is for a site on Portgower Place, “within the wider Edinburgh Academicals [rugby club] / Raeburn Place sports grounds”.

Read more, here, on the website, City-Scope.

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The flumes at the ‘Commie’

THE former flumes at the Royal Commonwealth Pool? Read more about them, on the website of local historian, Andy Arthur, here.

Experience-sharing invite issued to heritage projects

A CALL has been issued for heritage projects to share their experiences.

It comes from the Scottish Civic Trust, as part of a ‘Community Heritage Conversation’ it is hosting in November.

Read more, here.

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Marionville fire station - more

THE headline to an article on the website, Edinburgh Inquirer, reads: ‘The battle to save Marionville Fire Station is far from over’.

Read more, here.

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Dunard Centre: piling work completed

PILING (foundation) work has been completed in the build of a new 1,000-seat concert venue - between St Andrew Square and the St James Quarter.

Says the Dunard Centre, here: “In another significant milestone, one of the two tower cranes required for the project has now been installed, creating a striking visual marker of the on-site progress. Works are progressing on time and to budget, with practical completion of the world-class venue expected in 2029.”

The story is picked up by The Herald newspaper, here.

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Image details: Granton harbour; all images copyright Mike Wilson

In today’s edition:

• Western Harbour - 212 homes application;

• Braids estate traffic diversion barriers to be removed;

• Powderhall ‘active travel’ path campaign boosted by MSP’s support;

• Average house price, Scotland;

• Reprieve expected for Marionville fire station;

• New retail space being applied for at Fort Kinnaird;

• Budget request submitted to employ additional ‘problem landlord’ officers;

• Scottish Government to be asked to define a ‘green’ data centre;

• Apartments plan lodged for Leith-based Victorian engine shed;

• Fringe Society HQ unveiled;

• Office-to-’apart-hotel’ conversion plan submitted;

• Willowbrae Road gap site the subject of hotel planning application;

• ‘Wembley Way’ plan unveiled for Royal Highland Centre;

• Obituary published of ‘saviour’ of Edinburgh’s built heritage;

• Water of Leith: challenges and celebrations;

• After Holyrood, has Scottish architecture lost its verve?

• Perks for paying subscribers; and

• Enjoy, see you next Friday!

Western Harbour - 212 homes application

A PLANNING application has been submitted to build 212 homes at Western Harbour.

The application follows a Proposal of Application Notice - here, ref: 25/06573/PAN - submitted in December..

Says a media release on behalf of the applicant -house builders, Cullross: “Extensive engagement with the local community has taken place over recent months, including two well-attended public consultation events in January and February at the Heart of Newhaven, where 116 people participated across both sessions.

“Meetings have also been held with key stakeholders, including Leith Harbour and Newhaven Community Council and Western Harbour Owners’ Association.”

Read more, on western-harbour.com. Read more, here, on the website of the PR company that issued the media release.

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Braids estate traffic diversion barriers to be removed

A NARROW 6-5 vote has agreed to remove traffic diversion barriers on the Braids estate, while accepting that a similar ‘modal filter’ on Canaan Lane should remain.

The barriers include where Braid Road meets Hermitage Drive.

In what must rank as one of the longest and most diverse debates about a specific topic at the city council’s Transport and Environment committee yesterday (here, agenda item 7.3), it essentially came down to the risk of a legal challenge (against a decision to keep the ‘filters’) versus providing safe spaces, particularly for young people.

The long-lasting deliberations - remarked upon during the debate, since other city areas having their own issues - was preceded by several deputations and included a presentation from Cllr Ben Parker (in favour of keeping the filters, supporting deputations from local school groups).

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Powderhall ‘active travel’ path campaign boosted by MSP’s support

A CAMPAIGN to turn a former rail line in north Edinburgh into an ‘active travel’ (walking, cycling and wheeling) route has reportedly received the backing of a local MSP.

Writes Sarah Challen Flynn, in Sunday’s edition of The National newspaper, here: “Since trains stopped running on the Powderhall railway line between St Mark’s Park and Meadowbank - in north Edinburgh, ten years ago - the line has remained vacant.”

And she quotes local MSP, Ben Macpherson, saying a path requires to be opened to the general public “sooner rather than later”.

Among other things, land ownership - involving rail infrastructure organisation, Network Rail - requires resolving.

The campaign is quoted, as saying: “We want to get people thinking about how [the path] could be used (ie not just a cycle path) and how it might progress.”

Suggestions include benches, children’s play space, murals, gardening sites and ecological conservation.

Read more about the campaign, here.

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A canopy being installed on Wednesday at the King’s Theatre…

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Average house price, Scotland

THE average price of a house in Scotland - during April - was £192,000 - according to the National Records of Scotland.

Says NRS, here, £192,000 represents at 2.8 per cent increase on the same time last year, and a 2.7 per cent increase on the average price in March.

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Reprieve expected for Marionville fire station

AN Edinburgh fire station is expected to saved from closure, according to a recommendation to be presented to the board of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

The station - in Marionville - had been subject to a high-profile campaign to save it from closure.

And the campaign appears to have paid off - here. At least for now.

The SFRS board is meeting on Monday.

The story is picked up by The Edinburgh Reporter website, here.

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New retail space being applied for at Fort Kinnaird

A PLANNING application has been submitted to add over 40,000 sq ft of new space at Fort Kinnaird retail park.

Say the owners, British Land: “Plans include a new c.19,750 sq ft food store on the ground floor, alongside a c.22,785 sq ft enhanced leisure offering on the first floor, supporting the continued growth of the destination’s leisure quarter and enhancing the overall visitor experience. Once complete, the new destinations would bring more than 60 new jobs to the local area.

“Located alongside Fort Kinnaird’s established leisure and food offering, including ODEON cinema, Wagamama and Nando’s, the plans have been devised with sustainability in mind. When designing the building services, both tenants will include air-source heat pumps and photovoltaic systems.”

The planning application (here, ref: 26/02450/FUL) says: “The application site is a brownfield gap site which has been vacant for over 18 years, following the demolition of portions of the original 1989 Craig Park retail and leisure development. The original development incorporated cinema and retail space created in 1990.”

The architects are Cooper Cromar.

The story is picked up by several media outlets, including Edinburgh Live website, here, and The Herald and Scotsman newspapers, here and here.

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Budget request submitted to employ additional ‘problem landlord’ officers

SIX additional ‘enforcement officers’ could be taken on, to police ‘problem’ landlords in Edinburgh’s private rented sector.

Particularly those landlords who don’t ‘adequately’ maintain their properties.

A budget of £350,000 is being sought, to employ the six new officers, to be considered by a meeting on Tuesday of the council’s Finance and Resources committee (here, agenda item 8.7).

Read the papers to be considered by the committee members, here.

They say: “The council has a duty to regulate the private rented sector, ensuring that all properties meet the required standards and that licence holders and landlords are fit and proper. Failure to meet the duty to regulate the sector may result in poor healthand wellbeing outcomes for tenants, and result in reputational damage to the council.”

The story is picked up by ‘local democracy reporter’, Joe Sullivan (his post paid for by the BBC), here.

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Scottish Government to be asked to define a ‘green’ data centre

THE Scottish Government is to be asked to define what is meant by a ‘green’ data centre after city council officials advised that councillors did not necessarily have the powers to agree a definition themselves.

Or apply a moratorium.

Wednesday’s Planning committee (here, agenda item 7.1) considered a paper (here) from officials.

But the committee decided to back a ‘tougher’ set of demands - proposed by the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Greens: that the Scottish Government also declares a moratorium on new data centres until an official definition is provided.

In February, members of the council’s Development Management sub-committee rejected a planning-in-principle application (here, 25/04239/PPP) for such a centre, on Redheughs Avenue, in South Gyle - as reported, here, on BuildEdinburgh.

It was felt that a Scottish Government definition will make it easier for the council to adjudicate on centre applications to it.

The story is picked up by The Herald and Edinburgh Evening News newspapers, here and here.

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Apartments plan lodged for Leith-based Victorian engine shed

WHAT is being described by the applicant as a “badly-neglected Victorian engine shed” in Leith is the subject of a planning application, to turn it into four serviced apartments.

The application - here, ref: 26/02166/FULSTL - concerns a property on Ocean Drive.

The architects are Johnston-Harris Architects.

The story is picked up by the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper, here.

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Fringe Society HQ unveiled

A NEW, permanent home for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has been unveiled.

It follows refurbishment of a former schoolhouse on Infirmary Street.

Says the Fringe Society, here: “New features include air source heat pumps, an accessible Changing Places toilet and a new lift, all while preserving the history and aesthetic of both the building and the surrounding area.”

The story is picked up by broadcasters, STV, here.

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Office-to-’apart-hotel’ conversion plan submitted

A CHANGE-of-use planning application has been submitted to convert an office block at the Pleasance into an ‘apart-hotel’, comprising 23 suites.

The application - here, ref: 26/02219/FUL - is for 181 Pleasance, opposite Carnegie Court. It has been submitted by Format Design Architectural Services.

The story is picked up by the website, Edinburgh Live, here.

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Willowbrae Road gap site the subject of hotel planning application

A GAP site on Willowbrae Road is now the subject of a 82-room hotel planning application.

The application - here, ref: 26/02294/FUL - involves a site once occupied by a pub.

Writes Kevin Quinn, of the Edinburgh Evening News, here: “The site at the junction with Northfield Drive was most recently occupied by the Radical Road pub, previously the Right Wing owned by Hibs legend, Gordon Smith, but has been an empty gap site for around eight years now.”

The architects are Unum Partnership.

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‘Wembley Way’ plan unveiled for Royal Highland Centre

THE Royal Highland Centre, at Ingliston, has unveiled a five-year plan that imagines the venue as a “year-round destination for events, conferences, exhibitions and live entertainment”.

Adds a media release on behalf of the centre, which is owned by the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland: “Beyond the initial five-year strategy, the longer-term ambitions for the site include the creation of a new boulevard connecting the venue to Edinburgh's tram network, alongside the potential for restaurants, bars, cafés, retail developments and hotels that are already in development, that would help transform the area into a thriving destination in west Edinburgh.”

In the media - for instance, here - the boulevard is being described as being a version of the ‘Wembley Way’.

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Obituary published of ‘saviour’ of Edinburgh’s built heritage

AN obituary has been published for Oliver Barratt, remembered for his role in protecting Edinburgh’s historic built environment through the local heritage body, The Cockburn Association.

Said The Scotsman newspaper last week, here: “He fought to protect the historic fabric of the city during a period when the value of historic buildings, architecture and the people who lived and worked in them were not as appreciated as they are today.”

Barratt was the secretary of The Cockburn Association between 1971 and 1992.

He died in April and The Cockburn Association almost immediately published its own tribute, here.

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Water of Leith: challenges and celebrations

SEWAGE discharges and tensions between different types of users - such as cyclists and walkers - are among the challenges facing the Water of Leith at Balerno, Currie and Juniper Green, according to its local MP.

Dr Scott Arthur hosted a meeting, seeking views about the Water of Leith, which also recognised the many benefits of the river, including mental health ones.

As reported, here, on Dr Arthur’s website.

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After Holyrood, has Scottish architecture lost its verve?

THE questions being asked of the Scottish Parliament are: (1) whether it has “strengthened a culture of design that prioritises long-term value”, and (2) whether its “legacy has encouraged more cautious approaches to procurement, cost and risk”.

Find out more at this year’s Festival of Politics, on August 28, in Edinburgh.

Here.

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Perks for paying subscribers

PAYING subscribers of BuildEdinburgh have been able to meet twice recently in person - on June 4, at the ‘Diggers’ pub, and last Saturday, at the Fruitmarket Gallery cafe - to chat about future editorial and possible campaigns.

Since Monday, they have also been given the opportunity to comment on articles on the site.

Comments are being moderated so that they are informative, reasoned, full, insightful and respectful: exactly, how the site as a whole seeks to operate.

With your help, as a paying subscriber, we together could achieve great things.

By being able to hire journalists, the site could become a daily news service (including much more detailed reporting of city council committees) followed at the weekend by long-form editorial.

It is just £30 a year or £3.50 a month. That’s less than £1 a week.

Image details: Canongate; copyright Mike Wilson

In today’s edition:

• Yes-no decision expected soon on proposed new tram route;

• The story of Edinburgh’s ‘north cycle path network’;

• Upgrade work begun at Saughton Arena sports complex;

• North Bridge reportedly set to fully reopen by August;

• Five more ‘firework control zones’ agreed;

• Councillors reject proposal to open private New Town gardens to the general public;

• Full refurbishment plans announced for Canning Street office block;

• Exhibition next week of King’s Theatre history;

• Football mural graces Princes Street hoarding;

• Further recognition for Edinburgh Futures Institute building;

• Objection being recommended against possible Westfield Court listing;

• Anderson pens peaen to Craigmillar;

• Crowdfunder launched for Colinton community hub;

• ‘Green’ data centres: councillors warned off;

• ‘Lifeless’ street expected to be ‘transformed’ by student accommodation block approval;

• Correction: It’s two shops that were suddenly closed on Princes Street; and

• Enjoy, see you next Friday!

Yes-no decision expected soon on proposed new tram route

CITY councillors are to be asked in September whether the plans to build a second tram line in the city (linking Granton in the north with Little France in the south) should proceed or not.

It follows the results of two research exercises - a city council-run online ‘consultation hub’, accompanied by in-person events, and, separately, direct interviews by a market research firm.

Say papers (here) to be considered on Thursday, by the city council’s Transport and Environment committee (here, agenda item 8.1), the council’s ‘consultation hub’, attracted 11,425 responses, while the direct interviews involved 1,209 people.

Broadly, the online consultation exercise delivered mixed results: 53 per cent oppose the whole north-south scheme, 40 per cent support and six per cent neither support nor oppose. And the market research delivered 19 per cent oppose, 47 per cent support and 34 per cent neither support nor oppose.

Section 4.12 of the papers provides details of all the options, including the northern leg of the proposed line going along either Roseburn Path or Orchard Brae.

The papers add: “The outputs from the consultation and market research will inform a strategic business case that is being developed and will be presented to Transport and Environment committee on September 20 when councillors will be asked for a decision on next steps for the trams from Granton to BioQuarter and beyond.

“This could include proceeding with all or any element of the proposal to outline business case stage, subject to funding; proceeding with workstreams to amend the current proposal, subject to funding; ceasing and / or pausing temporarily work on the project.”

It is understood there is no requirement for the Transport and Environment committee to have its decision about the strategic business case ratified (or otherwise) by the full city council.

The story is picked up by, among others, Edinburgh Live website, here.

And The Edinburgh Inquirer’s reading of the papers is Edinburgh ‘warming’ to the proposals (here).

The Scotsman newspaper quotes Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, convener of the Transport and Environment committee, describing the polls findings as “fairly inconclusive” (here).

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, it was being reported that Scottish Government agency, Historic Environment Scotland, have raised concerns about the integrity of Dean Bridge, were the Orchard Brae option to be pursued.

Writes The Herald’s Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, here, HES is also concerned about the integrity of both North Bridge and South Bridge, for a possible southern leg of the proposed tram line.

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The story of Edinburgh’s ‘north cycle path network’

THE story of one of Edinburgh’s first cycle paths - the ‘north Edinburgh cycle path network’ - is being told by local historian, Andy Arthur, on his website, Threadedinburgh (here).

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Upgrade work begun at Saughton Arena sports complex

WORK has begun, upgrading the athletics facilities at the Saughton Arena sports complex.

Announcing the work, here, operators, Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Funded by The City of Edinburgh Council, the investment will support the long-term future of a site that plays a vital role in the city’s athletics network. [Governing body] Scottish Athletics has identified Edinburgh as one of eight priority regions in its national facilities strategy, underlining the importance of protecting and improving provision in this part of the city.”

The work began on Monday.

The story is picked up by the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper, here.

In February, BuildEdinburgh posted the idea (here) of reconfiguring the area largely for housing, to help pay for the construction of a spectator stand (and associated facilities, such as changing rooms, club rooms and a cafe) along the length of the touchline of the 11-a-side artificial grass pitch.

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North Bridge reportedly set to fully reopen by August

NORTH Bridge is reportedly set to fully reopen by the start of the Edinburgh Festivals in August - following years of restoration work

Begins The Herald newspaper’s Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, here: “Eight years after work first began on Edinburgh’s North Bridge, the finish line is finally in sight. Last week, The Herald was granted an exclusive first look at the renovated Victorian-era behemoth.”

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Five more ‘firework control zones’ agreed

FIVE new ‘firework control zones’ have been approved, bringing the total to 14 areas where private fireworks are restricted around Bonfire Night.

The new ‘zones’ are Liberton Grange, Lochend, Stenhouse/Gaskell Street, West Pilton and Wester Hailes.

They join already-operating (from last year) Corstorphine, Longstone, Moredun, Sighthill/Broomhouse and The Murrays (previously called Gracemount), plus (from two years’ ago) Niddrie, Seafield, Balerno and Calton Hill.

Says the city council, here: “The decision builds on the positive impact of previous years’ measures, with Edinburgh experiencing significantly lower levels of firework-related anti-social behaviour compared with earlier years.”

The story is picked up by, among others, STV, here.

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Councillors reject proposal to open private New Town gardens to the general public

COUNCILLORS have rejected a proposal to open private New Town gardens - on a voluntary basis - to the public in exchange for council maintenance and insurance support.

It followed a motion submitted by Scottish Greens councillor, Cllr Dan Heap, which was considered by Monday’s city council’s Culture and Communities committee (here, agenda item 5.1) - which requested a report by December on the viability of such a scheme, which has taken inspiration from St Andrew Square which has been open to the public since 2008.

But it was voted down, six-to-five. The story has been picked up by, among others, The Herald and The Scotsman newspapers, here and here.

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Full refurbishment plans announced for Canning Street office block

AN office block on Canning Street is set to be fully refurbished, following its purchase by a Scottish property company.

Says Knight Property Group, here, about Atholl Exchange: “[We are] set to undertake a comprehensive refurbishment and repositioning programme, aimed at enhancing the quality and occupier experience within the building. Planned works include the full refurbishment of the vacant floors, upgrades to the atrium, common parts and improvements to the external frontage.”

The story is picked up by the website, Urban Realm, here.

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Exhibition next week of King’s Theatre history

A FREE exhibition about the history of the King's Theatre, in Tollcross, is taking place ahead of its imminent reopening.

It is being held next week at Barclay Viewforth Church, Monday to Thursday (10am to 5pm) and Friday (10am to 4pm).

For more details: here.

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Football mural graces Princes Street hoarding

A PORTRAIT of Scotland footballer, Scott McTominay, has appeared on a hoarding on Princes Street - ahead of the national team playing in the FIFA men’s World Cup, its first match taking place over the weekend.

The hoarding has been erected in front of a gap site (following a demolition) that is scheduled to be taken up by a Ruby Group hotel.

This photo was taken on Tuesday afternoon.

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Further recognition for Edinburgh Futures Institute building

AN Edinburgh building that was named two weeks ago (here) among ten winners of an awards competition run by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS), has been twice further recognised.

The Edinburgh Futures Institute - by Bennetts Associates - has taken two of seven ‘special category’ prizes at the awards: innovation and interior design.

Read more, here.

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Objection being recommended against possible Westfield Court listing

THE city council is being asked to lodge an objection should a high-rise block of flats in Gorgie be protected from demolition by a listing from the Scottish Government agency, Historic Environment Scotland (HES).

News that HES might apply a listing to Westfield Court - in which the city council is a ‘minority owner’ - was enough to recently convince members of the city council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work committee (here) to pause a scheme to ‘buyback’ properties in the block, in order to gain a majority to proceed with demolition.

It has been estimated the refurbishment costs for the block are around £500,000 per flat.

The recommendation to ‘object’ can be found in papers (here) being presented to the city council’s Planning committee on Wednesday (here, agenda item 7.3).

The story is picked up by the website, The Edinburgh Reporter, here.

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Anderson pens peaen to Craigmillar

A PEAEN to Craigmillar has been penned by former city council leader, Donald Anderson.

In a column published by the Edinburgh Evening News, here, he writes of sometimes considerable improvement on many fronts: population numbers, life expectancy, employment / unemployment, education attainment levels, car ownership and - significantly - crime.

He also praises the volunteer effort that’s taking place there.

Anderson has a regular, weekly column in the Edinburgh Evening News.

He currently volunteers in Craigmillar, as chair of The Eastern Synergy Group, which brings together ‘Third Sector’ organisations in the area.

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Crowdfunder launched for Colinton community hub

A CROWDFUNDER has been launched to complete the fit-out of a community hub in Colinton.

A target £50,000 is being sought for the hub, which is located in Spylaw Park, for residents in both Colinton and the wider south-west of Edinburgh.

Donate here.

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‘Green’ data centres: councillors warned off

CITY councillors have been warned off seeking to impose a moratorium on the building of ‘green’ data centres.

On Wednesday, members of the council’s Planning committee will also hear (here, agenda item 7.1) - from officers (here) - that the council should not provide its own definition of what a ‘green’ data centre is.

The move follows members of the council’s Development Management sub-committee rejecting a planning-in-principle application (here, 25/04239/PPP) for such a centre, on Redheughs Avenue - as reported, here, on BuildEdinburgh.

There was also an approved motion at a full council meting in March (here, agenda item 8.5) seeking a definition of a ‘green’ data centre.

The story is picked up by The Herald newspaper, here.

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‘Lifeless’ street expected to be ‘transformed’ by student accommodation block approval

BEGINS local architects, 7N Architects, here: “We are delighted that our proposal for student accommodation [here, ref: 25/05524/FUL] for the Ardent Group at Russell Road has been approved by The City of Edinburgh’s Planning committee*.

“The 182-room brownfield development, adjacent to the council’s new cycle path between Roseburn and the Union Canal, will transform a lifeless street and bring new activity to the area.”

* It was Development Management sub-committee, on Wednesday: here, agenda item 7.1. It was approved by a 7-2 vote.

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Correction: It’s two shops that were suddenly closed on Princes Street

LAST week, BuildEdinburgh reported that a trio of adjacent shops had suddenly closed on Princes Street.

That seemed to be the case, last week, but - when we checked on Wednesday - one of the three, 7DaySmart, was open and operating.

Apologies for any inconvenience. The two closed are: House of Treasure and The Edinburgh Gift Vault.

Last week’s BuildEdinburgh has been amended.

Image details: St Andrew’s Catholic Church; copyright Mike Wilson

In today’s edition:

• Council halts ‘buyback’ scheme at Westfield Court;

• Granton Waterfront: in-person update on regeneration programme;

• International retrofitting conference set for September;

• Big house building programme approved;

• Draft Astley Ainslie ‘place brief’ expected in September;

• RSA annual exhibition ending on the 14th;

• The cost of a weekend break in Edinburgh;

• Craigentinny litter pick;

• Co-chairs appointed to oversee east Edinburgh £20m ‘Pride in Place’ programme;

• Green light for Wester Hailes adventure playground;

• Care facility public consultation events scheduled;

• South Bridge paint job;

• Average house price, Scotland;

• ‘Affordable’ housing construction completed at Blackford;

• Do consider becoming a paying subscriber;

• Duo of Princes Street stores closed;

• Council to withdraw providing factoring service in four blocks of flats;

• Fines regime agreed for visitor levy evasion;

• Call to be made to open city’s large private gardens;

• On the road with the city’s fly-tipping team; and

• Enjoy, see you next Friday!

Council halts ‘buyback’ scheme at Westfield Court

FLATS in the Gorgie high-rise block, Westfield Court - which is facing a prohibitively expensive repair bill of circa £500,000 per property - are no longer going to be purchased by the city council, in order to achieve the majority ownership necessary to proceed with demolition.

The council currently owns 32 of the 94 flats in the block (as noted, here, on the council website).

Members of the council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work committee voted 6-5 on Monday (here, agenda item 4.4) to halt a ‘buyback’ scheme, after it emerged the building could be protected against demolition by a ‘listing’ from Scottish Government agency, Historic Environment Scotland (as noted in last week’s BuildEdinburgh, here).

Said papers (here) presented to members: “Officers believe it is likely that listed status will be awarded and therefore feel that the full ownership strategy is no longer appropriate. On that basis, no further work will be undertaken to purchase properties in the block until we are notified of a final decision.”

The story is picked up by, among others, broadcasters, STV (here), and The Herald newspaper, (here).

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Granton Waterfront: in-person update on regeneration programme

AN in-person update on the regeneration of the Granton Waterfront is being held later this month.

A ‘drop-in’ event has been scheduled for the 22nd, taking place between 4pm and 7pm; details here.

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International retrofitting conference set for September

AN international conference - exploring how to reduce energy demand in buildings, enhance building performance, decarbonise heating systems and reimagine how buildings can be reused - is taking place in Edinburgh in September.

Details of the International Retrofit Conference - being organised by innovation centre, BE-ST (Built Environment, Smarter Transformation) - can be found here.

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Big house building programme approved

BEGINS a city council announcement: “Councillors have agreed a programme for this financial year to spend more than £207m on improving and expanding council housing across the city.”

Adds the announcement, here: “On Monday, members of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work committee approved the 2026/27 Housing Revenue Account capital programme for investment, which is part of the Housing Revenue Account Budget Strategy 2026/27 to 2035/36.

“The programme includes a commitment of over £111m for house building in 2026-27, contributing to the development of around 4,275 new affordable houses over the next five years.

“This is the first year of a major intervention to address the housing emergency [announced in November three years ago, here] through the allocation of a total £1.3 billion to deliver settled homes over five years.”

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Draft Astley Ainslie ‘place brief’ expected in September

A CITY council-produced draft ‘place brief’ for the Astley Ainslie ‘hospital’ site in Morningside - which is being partly released by NHS Lothian - is expected to be drawn up by September.

Says the Astley Ainslie Community Trust, it hopes the city council will take on board many of the suggestions contained in a Local Place Plan (here) that it has produced for the area.

An update from the Trust, here, begins: “As you may or may not know, there has been increased contractor activity on the Astley Ainslie site, and, probably because of this, inaccurate rumours are circulating.”

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RSA annual exhibition ending on the 14th

QUICK reminder: the annual exhibition of the Royal Scottish Academy (at the bottom of The Mound, and which includes two architecture rooms) ends on the 14th of this month.

Details, here.

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The cost of a weekend break in Edinburgh

A TWO-night stay for two people in a three-star hotel in Edinburgh is estimated to be the most expensive among Europe’s capital cities.

And when other aspects of a weekend stay are factored in - e.g. a beer, bus or train travel into the city centre from the airport, etc - Scotland’s capital has been found to be third most expensive.

According to a survey conducted by the Post Office - here - the two-night stay for two has been estimated at £462, ahead of Barcelona (£457) and Dublin (£455).

In terms of the estimated overall cost of a weekend in Edinburgh, it is third (at £668.10), behind Copenhagen (£670.65) and Oslo (£733.99).

At £248.39, Sarajevo is estimated to be the least expensive weekend break.

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Craigentinny litter pick

A LITTER pick is taking place behind Craigentinny golf course, on Tuesday evening.

It is being organised by the city-wide litter picking group, Edinburgh Trash Club, which is suggesting a 7pm start, meeting at Craigentinny Avenue North (at the Arnold Clark premises).

And, elsewhere, there is a ‘Big Forth Cleanup’ scheduled for August 28-30, as detailed here.

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Co-chairs appointed to oversee east Edinburgh £20m ‘Pride in Place’ programme

TWO co-chairs have been appointed to oversee a £20m scheme - over the next ten years - to help regenerate parts of east Edinburgh, including Niddrie and Craigmillar.

Writes Donald Anderson, former council leader and now, among other things, chair of the volunteer group forum, Eastern Synergy Group: “The Pride in Place fund will help regenerate and transform important neighbourhoods in the east of the city.”

And the co-chairs for the scheme have been named as ‘local campaigners’, Miranda Baird and Bill Wishart.

Continues Anderson, in the Edinburgh Evening News, here: “Targeted spending on improving the public realm, cleanliness and attractiveness of the local environment is at the cutting edge of regeneration and as research in America has proven, improving the local environment in Chicago reduced crime and anti-social behaviour and improved health and wellbeing. The communities of east Edinburgh should see an improvement and soon hopefully.”

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Green light for Wester Hailes adventure playground

PLANNING permission has been given for an adventure playground in Wester Hailes, that will be part-designed by the users.

The scheme - proposed by Wester Hailes Growing Community, which explains the project here - was approved by planning officials, as detailed, here.

The story is picked up by the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper, here.

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Care facility public consultation events scheduled

TWO public consultation events are being held, for people to find out more about plans for a 132-bed residential care facility neighbouring the Braid Hills Golf Centre.

The events are required of the Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) that has been submitted for the Braid Hills Nursing Centre site on Liberton Drive.

The PAN details can be found, here (ref: 26/02266/PAN).

It says: “Proposed replacement of existing 119-bed care home with new 132-bed care home and associated retirement / specialist care accommodation to meet current Care Inspectorate standards.”

The events are both taking place at the site: Wednesday, July, 8, 3pm-7pm, and Wednesday, August 5, 3pm-7pm.

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South Bridge paint job

EXTERNAL painting has been completed on a key building on South Bridge.

Scaffolding was scheduled to be taken down yesterday, at the site near the crossroads with the High Street, to reveal a gleaming frontage comprising mainly ‘Coral Silk’ (PPG no. 11955).

The job was carried out by IRO Painting & Decorating.

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Average house price, Scotland

THE average price of a house in Scotland, in March, was £187,000 - according to the Registers of Scotland.

Says RoS, here, that's 1.6 per cent higher than 12 months ago but 0.2 per cent lower than in February.

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‘Affordable’ housing construction completed at Blackford

CONSTRUCTION has been completed on what is being described as the ‘first affordable homes in Blackford for 60 years’.

Says house builder, Cala, the 12 homes - on the site of the former St Crispin’s School - have been handed over to social housing specialists, Wheatley.

The story is picked up by ProjectScotland.com, here.

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Do consider becoming a paying subscriber

LAST night, a group of paying subscribers met at ‘The Diggers’ pub, to brainstorm ideas for website - ranging from Princes Street to Granton to cohousing - and how to begin building a social media presence.

There was a real energy and lots of laughter too, and you can be part of it by upgrading your free subscription to paying.

Soon, paying members will get to decide what editorial the site should seek to pursue over the coming weeks.

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Duo of Princes Street stores closed

NO sooner had they appeared on Princes Street, but two adjacent stores have been closed: House of Treasure and The Edinburgh Gift Vault.

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Council to withdraw providing factoring service in four blocks of flats

THE city council is to withdraw from providing a factoring service in four blocks of flats where it is a ‘minority owner’.

The decision - taken by the council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work committee, on Monday (here) - concerns Coillesdene House in Joppa and Saunders Street blocks in Stockbridge.

The story is picked up by Edinburgh Live website, here.

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Fines regime agreed for visitor levy evasion

ACCOMMODATION providers who evade charging a levy on visitors for overnight stays in the city, face a fines regime - with fines of up to £49,350 theoretically possible.

A fines framework was approved by the city council’s Policy and Sustainability committee (here, agenda item 7.3).

The levy comes into force on the 24th of next month, as detailed here.

For individual short-term lets, the proposed fines framework (here) anticipates between £1,084 and £3,983.

The possibility of nearly £50,000 would apply to commercial operators. But papers presented to committee members also anticipate a fine for them as low as £405.

The story is picked up by The Herald newspaper, here, and Edinburgh Live website, here.

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Call to be made to open city’s large private gardens

A CALL is to be made on Monday, for a voluntary scheme that could see the city’s large private gardens - such as Charlotte Square - opened to the general public, potentially in return for maintenance and insurance being provided by the council.

Cllr Dan Heap has tabled a motion - to be considered by the city council’s Culture and Communities committee (here, agenda item 5.1) - requesting a report by December on the viability of such a scheme, which is taking inspiration from St Andrew Square which has been open to the public since 2008.

The story is picked up by The Herald newspaper, here.

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On the road with the city’s fly-tipping team

IT costs an estimated £2m a year for the council to clean up fly-tipping, according to a feature on the Edinburgh Inquirer website, titled, ‘On the road with the city’s fly-tipping team’. Read it here (subscription required).

All images: copyright Mike Wilson

In today’s edition:

• ‘Affordability’ requirement to be investigated for student accommodation projects;

• Planning application resubmitted for three-flat block on Bath Road;

• Bingo hall conversion plans lodged;

• Two Edinburgh buildings named winners in architectural award;

• New president named at architects’ body;

• New president for Edinburgh architects’ body;

• Building procurement concerns voiced;

• Youth homelessness charity receives keys towards ‘supported accommodation’ programme;

• Refurbishment plans announced by the National Galleries of Scotland;

• ‘Tram Train’ scheme takes another step forward;

• Future of Westfield Court thrown into doubt by ‘listing’ possibility;

• Fountain Park pub plan reportedly withdrawn;

• Former St Stephen’s Church reportedly for sale;

• Green light given for Gorgie ‘apart-hotel’ proposal;

• Work begins on new Edinburgh Park neighbourhood;

• The tale of the former Bonnington Bridge bar;

• Please do consider supporting BuildEdinburgh; and

• Enjoy, see you next week!

‘Affordability’ requirement to be investigated for student accommodation projects

PURPOSE-built student accommodation proposals could soon face having to fall into line with other forms of new-build residential housing projects, by allocating 35 per cent of their schemes as ‘affordable’.

It follows a motion at a meeting last week of the full council (here, agenda item 8.9).

It called for an affordable threshold to be investigated by council officers.

The motion - by the SNP - also accepted a Scottish Greens addendum that “alternative management models for PBSA developments, such as housing co-operatives” be explored.

Councillors heard of students being homeless, not least because of monthly rents of upwards of £1,400.

At the start of the meeting, members heard a deputation from Living Rent, which describes itself as ‘a tenants and community union’ (from the 0:30:40 mark on the meeting webcast, here).

There was also debate whether PBSA should also begin to pay business rates.

The story is picked up by Deadline News website, here. There’s a biggish feature too about it on the website, Edinburgh Inquirer, here.

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Planning application resubmitted for three-flat block on Bath Road

A PLANNING application has been resubmitted - for a gap site on Bath Road, just off Salamander Street.

The application - here, ref: 26/01831/FUL - has had to be resubmitted because a previous, approved application had expired.

This application is for three flats and an extension to a neighbouring pub.

The architect is John Kinsley - arguably been known for a collective self-build project on Portobello’s Bath Street.

The story is picked up by the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper, here.

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Bingo hall conversion plans lodged

PLANS have been lodged to convert a former bingo hall in the Southside into a cafe and occasional event space.

The application can be viewed, here (ref: 26/01757/FUL).

The story is picked up by the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper, here.

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Two Edinburgh buildings named winners in architectural award

TWO Edinburgh buildings have been named among ten buildings chosen by architects body, the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS), as winners of its annual awards.

The ten will be further shortlisted, from which one will be chosen as Scotland’s Building of the Year - announced towards the end of the year - aka the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award.

The two are (1) Usher Building, University of Edinburgh, by Hassell; and the Edinburgh Futures Institute, by Bennetts Associates.

Read more, here.

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New president named at architects’ body

AN associate director at local architects, Reiach and Hall, has been named the new president of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).

Libby Heathcote succeeds Karen Anderson, as noted here, on the RIAS website.

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New president for Edinburgh architects’ body

MEANWHILE, the Edinburgh ‘chapter’ of the RIAS has chosen a new president to succeed Neil Middleton, whose two-year term of office has come to an end.

Emma Garland - an associate director at architects, ema - has been chosen by the Edinburgh Architecture Association.

Middleton reflects on his two years in post, here.

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Building procurement concerns voiced

ALSO from the RIAS, it has voiced concerns about how buildings are procured - not least the possible safety implications of buildings chosen primarily on cost grounds.

It follows a consultation exercise hosted by the Scottish Government, here, which ended on the fifth of this month.

Among other things, the RIAS notes (here) the collapse of a wall at Oxgangs Primary School, ten years ago, which led to an inquiry, here.

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Youth homelessness charity receives keys towards ‘supported accommodation’ programme

THE keys to three one-bedroom flats across Edinburgh - with the keys soon due for two more - have been received by a charity, to help provide young people facing homelessness with ‘supported accommodation’.

Says youth homelessness charity, the Rock Trust, here, the flats are part of its ‘Bedrock programme’.

The story is picked up, here, by the website, Scottish Housing News.

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Refurbishment plans announced by the National Galleries of Scotland

THE National Galleries of Scotland building on The Mound is to undergo a refurbishment, including a “refreshed suite of galleries and displays”.

It follows a strategy document, for the next four years, which says the NGS’s ‘biggest priority’ is to complete a project in Granton, opening up an estimated 130,000 items (currently mostly in storage) to the general public.

Says NGS, here: “Our biggest priority over the next four years will be to complete The Art Works. This transformational project will enable us to share the nation’s art with even more people now and in the future. The Art Works building, and everything it makes possible, will significantly advance all three of our strategic priorities: Audience, Collection and Resilience.”

The story is picked up - as an ‘exclusive’ by Brian Ferguson - of The Herald newspaper, here.

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‘Tram Train’ scheme takes another step forward

CITY council officials have been tasked with approaching the Scottish Government agency, Transport Scotland, to apply for feasibility study funding, to explore the possibility of reopening the South Suburban rail line to passenger traffic.

A local ‘Tram Trains’ campaign is campaigning not just for the reopening of the line, but for it to connect with the city’s tram service - using vehicles that can switch from one type of line to the next - thus creating a ‘Tram Train’ loop around the city.

At a meeting of the full council last week, a feasibility study proposal (agenda item 8.13, here) was passed.

During the run-up to the Scottish Parliament elections at the beginning of the month - which returned a SNP-led government - the SNP manifesto called for a feasibility study (as noted, here, on BuildEdinburgh).

The ‘Tram Trains’ scheme was first mooted by engineering students at Heriot-Watt University, here.

In a media release issued by the campaign, its chair, Rob Falcon, is quoted, as saying: “The city council directly requesting that the Scottish Government funds the feasibility study, represents a further milestone in getting this project done for the benefit of the city and the wider Lothian region.

“The voting in the council indicated broad support for the project across the political parties, in a way not demonstrated before. We urge the council to set ambitious objectives and keep up the pressure on the newly elected government."

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Future of Westfield Court thrown into doubt by ‘listing’ possibility

THE possible demolition of a high-rise block of flats in Gorgie has been thrown into doubt by news of a report being prepared by Scottish Government agency, Historic Environment Scotland (HES), into whether the building should be protected with a ‘listing’.

According to papers (here) to be considered on Monday at a meeting of the city council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work committee (here, agenda item 4.4), the estimated cost of repairing Westfield Court (pictured below, in which the council is a ‘minority owner’) leaves only one possible course of action: demolition and reuse of the site.

Repairs have been estimated at £500,000 per property, ie £48m for the whole block.

But the council has learned that HES is preparing a report (expected soon) that could lead to the building being ‘listed’, potentially leaving all involved in a quandary as to what to do next.

The story is picked up by The Edinburgh Reporter website, here, and the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper, here.

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Fountain Park pub plan reportedly withdrawn

A PLANNED Wetherspoons pub in Fountain Park - in a former ‘brewhouse’, that’s been empty for the last two years - has reportedly been withdrawn, because of ‘commercial reasons’.

Writes Ross Chalmers, on the website, Deadline News, here: “J D Wetherspoon abandoned plans to take over the site of the well-known McCowan’s Brewhouse, which closed in 2024, at the eleventh hour, after a licence had been acquired and planning applications lodged.

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Former St Stephen’s Church reportedly for sale

THE former St Stephen’s Church at the bottom of St Vincent Street, in Stockbridge - that has been more recently a performance space - has reportedly been put up for sale.

Reports Jane Bradley, here in The Scotsman newspaper, the asking price is at least £3m.

Says the Daily Business website, here: “The A-listed St Stephens in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge area was built in 1828 by the architect, William Henry Playfair. Since 1966, it has hosted regular Fringe performances.

“Leslie Benzies, former president of the company behind the smash-hit, Grand Theft Auto game, bought it in 2014 to preserve the building for community use.

“For the past nine years, it has been owned by Danish ballet dancer, director and choreographer, Peter Schaufuss, who previously ran the now-closed Rose Theatre on Rose Street. He has put St Stephens on the market for £3 million.”

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Green light given for Gorgie ‘apart-hotel’ proposal

AN ‘apart-hotel’ - comprising 23 apartments - has been approved for Gorgie Road (Nos 93-101).

The application - here, ref: 26/00427/FUL - is a re-submission, following a rejection last year for a 28 serviced apartments scheme (here, ref: 25/01224/FUL).

The site is currently offices for a taxi firm.

The approval was given on Wednesday by the city council’s Development Management sub-committee, here (agenda item 4.15).

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Work begins on new Edinburgh Park neighbourhood

WORK has begun on the construction of the first phase of what is expected to be a new neighbourhood within the wider Edinburgh Park development area, in the west of the city.

Says a media release issued by S1 Developments: “The New Village, led by Edinburgh-based S1 Developments, will form part of real estate investment group Parabola’s wider multi-million-pound regeneration of Edinburgh Park.

“Bank of Scotland’s funding has enabled the commencement of the first phase of properties at The New Village, comprising 146 private homes for sale. The all-electric homes include studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments and mews houses, with views across either a landscaped courtyard or the Pentland Hills.

“Residents will have access to the wider amenities and cultural attractions planned for Edinburgh Park, including a multi-sport recreation area, a square with cafes, a children’s play area, offices, an art trail featuring works by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, hotels and Edinburgh’s first indoor arena, the 8,500-capacity AEG Arena.

“The development is well-connected to the city centre and airport by public transport, and is already home to leading independent bakery, Patina.”

The release adds: “Once complete, S1 Developments will deliver 397 new homes at The New Village, with a further 160 affordable units being delivered in tandem by social enterprise, Places for People.

“The development will supplement Edinburgh Park’s wider delivery of a further 864 rental properties, including more than 200 proposed mid-market rent homes.”

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The tale of the former Bonnington Bridge bar

THE story of the now derelict (not least because of fire damage) Bonnington Bridge bar on Newhaven Road is being told by local historian, Andy Arthur, on his Threadinburgh website, here.

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Please do consider supporting BuildEdinburgh

IF you appreciate BuildEdinburgh’s approach to reporting what’s happening in the city - ie seeking to confirm every detail, not relying on hearsay, providing links as evidence and to read more, etc (namely, the strictest of journalism standards) - you might want to seriously consider supporting the site, by becoming a paying subscriber.

It goes without saying that the site’s current approach to reporting is, by far, the most labour-intensive of the options available.

It would be much easier and less time-consuming to simply copy and paste the headlines to the media outlets it cites, to cease checking out the city’s planning applications portal and to stop reporting council committee meetings.

So, it’s a simple choice: headlines only and no checking of city council documentation OR you register your appreciation, by becoming a paying subscriber, of the sheer effort that goes into providing the current offering.

If enough of you upgrade from free to paying, we’ll keep the service as is.

Upcoming for the paying subscribers thus far: at least one social gathering next month and an online discussion as to what editorial to pursue in the coming weeks and months.

Some editorial we can only provide by commissioning a freelancer, which will require funds; for instance, to write 2,000 words on what happens to the stuff you put in your green bin; for instance, to draw up architectural drawings; etc.

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Thank you.

Main image details: Wardie; copyright all images Mike Wilson

In today’s edition:

• Residents to choose how to spend £1.7m;

• Community garden to receive ‘Dobbies support’;

• More than 1,400 residents said to have moved into ‘Western Villages’;

• Modernised Mortonhall bungalow wins BBC homes series;

• BuildEdinburgh now a dot.com!;

• Applications invited for a community grant;

• Applications also invited, for climate-related ‘seed fun…

Read more

In today’s edition:

• ‘Apart-hotel’ planning application resubmitted for whole tenement block in Tollcross;

• Construction work begins on 55 ‘affordable’ homes;

• Housing assurance given for ‘Muirhouse One’;

• Braid Road ‘modal filter’ survives long-running traffic-calming saga;

• Energy efficiency upgrades in store for 34 Edinburgh flats;

• Residents interviewed on vid…

Read more

In today’s edition:

• ‘Affordable’ homes target exceeded;

• The SNP manifesto and Edinburgh;

• Cramond ‘campus’ proposals inch towards a formal planning application;

• Call for entries issued by Scots property awards competition;

• Finalists announced by Scottish Home Awards;

• Sustainable design accreditation for Edinburgh-based architect;

• Edinburgh tenement maintenan…

Read more

In today’s edition:

• Planning permission granted for Rose Street Theatre conversion;

• Edinburgh named ‘most walkable’ city in Europe;

• Gillis Centre reportedly to be put up for sale;

• Concern raised about Pleasance Fringe venue planning application frequency;

• Election manifestos reportedly offer ‘support’ for Borders rail line extension;

• Plans lodged for name cha…

Read more

In today’s edition:

• Dundas Street hotel, etc plans submitted;

• Re-submitted: Henderson Row office-to-residential plans;

• ‘Tram Trains’ feasibility study promised in SNP manifesto;

• Examined: ‘green’ data centres;

• Architect, Ian Begg, remembered;

• Views sought on proposed streets improvements in Craigmillar and Niddrie;

• Views sought on Craigmount High School expans…

Read more

In today’s edition:

• ‘Affordable’ housing tender issued for New Town Quarter site;

• Edinburgh ranked ninth-busiest tourist destination in the world;

• How much for an A4 sheet’s worth of ‘floor space’?;

• Plans lodged for padel and tennis centre;

• Appeal issued to help in the building of two ‘urban crofts’;

• Almost 900 new-build homes started in the city (708 complet…

Read more

In today’s edition:

• Two-part tram build reportedly being called for by SNP councillors;

• Sneak peek of King’s Theatre refurbishment published;

• Residents group forms against possible data centre;

• Construction work well underway on Colinton community hub;

• Edinburgh duo compete for Scotland’s Home of the Year regional title;

• Website feature focuses on deaths amo…

Read more

In today’s edition:

• Students come up with innovative Sheriffhall roundabout design;

• Memorial service for celebrated city campaigner and critic;

• Foundations laid for the next phase of Powderhall regeneration;

• The old Granton lighthouse;

• Tram journeys up, bus journeys up;

• Argyle House listing hopes dashed, at least for the moment;

• Research grants, up to £5,000 a…

Read more