RESIDENTS in Edinburgh are to have their say on proposals for a new student residential development at the site of the former Tynecastle High School.
S1 Developments said that its plans would regenerate the site that has lain vacant for over a decade. Following a full assessment, the firm said that the best use of the site would be a car-free student development, with the original B-listed school building on McLeod Street being retained and restored.
It added that proximity to North British Distillery, who previously owned the site, Tynecastle Stadium and the Western Approach, with issues around light, smell, noise and traffic make student accommodation a more effective use of the site than residential accommodation.
It explained that a single user operator is able to introduce control measures that will ensure that amenity and safety can be maintained with issues such as noise, smells and air quality easier to mitigate through a single point of control eg through the ventilation system and acoustic design.
The developer submitted a proposal of application notice (PAN) to the City of Edinburgh Council in February informing that it intends to submit a planning application for the redevelopment of the site following a public consultation event.
Dan Teague, director at S1 Developments, said,”We’re delighted to be giving the public the chance to have a say on our development proposals for the site of the former Tynecastle High School.
“As S1 Developments we develop sites to suit the location and following a full assessment of the constraints it is clear to us that student development is the most appropriate use to secure the redevelopment of the Old Tynecastle High School and develop the site in manner which is compatible with the neighbouring uses. Discussions have also been held with local stakeholders and community groups to also look at potential to form a new community space.
“The original school building has fallen into a sorry state since it stopped being a school in 2009. Whilst the redevelopment is challenging, we are hopeful that the proposed use brings with it an opportunity to save and renovate the original school building and continue its educational use, serving students in higher education.”
Full details about the proposals will be made available to the public at 9 am on Tuesday 18th May on the dedicated project website: www.oldtynecastlehigh.com.
