Construction underway for affordable homes at Granton Waterfront.

The City of Edinburgh Council celebrated the commencement of construction on a new affordable housing development with a ceremonial sod-cutting event. Council leader Cammy Day, alongside Fraser Lynes, managing director of Cruden, and architects Smith Scott Mullan, oversaw the beginning of work on the development of 143 energy-efficient social and mid-market rent properties. This partnership with Cruden aims to deliver a variety of one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, including wheelchair-accessible accommodation.

The construction plans involve enhancements to greenspace and the main footpath connecting Salveson Crescent and Marine Drive to provide safer and more accessible access to the shorelines. Additionally, the development includes the construction of a new Pavilion for Craigroyston Community Football Club.

This project is part of the £1.3 billion Granton Waterfront regeneration project, which aims to establish a new residential-led mixed-use community. The development will introduce around 3,500 net zero carbon homes, a primary school, a health centre, commercial and cultural spaces, as well as a new coastal park.

Council leader Cammy Day expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It was a pleasure to attend the sod-cutting ceremony at the Silverlea site today as we kick-start construction on this exciting development in Edinburgh. To tackle the Housing Emergency we currently face, it is crucial that we continue to build more affordable housing to address our severe shortage.”

“In order to meet our net zero targets for the capital, sustainable regeneration is vital, and every aspect of this development has been carefully designed with sustainability in mind. I am thrilled that the plans include a new Pavilion for Craigroyston Community Football Club, which will bring significant value to the community,” added Cammy Day.

Fraser Lynes, MD of Cruden, commented, “Silverlea exemplifies a development centred around sustainability and community, and we are excited to be part of this transformative project. The City of Edinburgh Council deserves recognition for prioritising much-needed social and mid-market homes amidst the housing crisis, and for specifying them to meet net zero carbon standards, making them more environmentally friendly and cost-efficient to run.”

“Throughout this development, we are eager to provide the new pavilion for Craigroyston Boys Club, repurpose the Griffens from the historic Muirhouse Mansion, and execute an essential programme of new tree planting and a wildflower meadow to enhance local greenspace,” Fraser Lynes added.

This progress marks the latest advancement in the Granton Waterfront regeneration effort, with multiple projects already in progress in the area. Over 400 net zero homes at Western Villages and 75 net zero homes at ‘Granton D1’ are currently in the construction phase.