S1 Developments has lodged plans for a new student accommodation project at Edinburgh’s former Tynecastle High School site.
The development has been tipped to regenerate a site that has lain vacant for over a decade and fallen into a state of disrepair. The restoration of the original B-listed school building, designed by John Alexander Carfrae, forms part of the proposals.
Charities LOVE Gorgie Farm and People Know How have been revealed as preferred operators for community facilities on the site should planning permission be granted. The urban farm will operate a community garden while People Know How, which already works with Tynecastle High School, will operate a community facility within the building.
The original school hall will be repurposed as a central amenity hub, sitting within a courtyard space and providing shared facilities for student residents. The landscaping proposals are said to increase green space across the site by more than 40%. The development has been designed with 100% cycle parking, low carbon technologies and no use of fossil fuels.
Dan Teague, director at S1 Developments, said, “We’re delighted to be submitting a planning application for this exciting development, and to also highlight our involvement with two charities who do such valuable work in local communities. As S1 Developments we develop sites to suit the location and have delivered hundreds of homes, including affordable homes across the city.
“Following our careful assessment of this site, we feel that student development is the most appropriate use given the constraints. This will not only secure the redevelopment of the Old Tynecastle High School, and provide a boost to the local economy, but also allows us to develop the site in manner which is compatible with neighbouring uses.
“The original school building has fallen into a sorry state since it ceased being a school over a decade ago. 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, benefitting the local community.”
