OCEAN Terminal has submitted a pre-application notice with the City of Edinburgh Council for a redevelopment that will see the 20-year-old centre open up to the waterfront in Leith.
Having purchased the shopping centre in March 2020, Ambassador Group is advancing plans to turn Ocean Terminal into a ‘gateway’ to the waterfront. The new masterplan for the site includes a mixed-use space said to ‘maximise’ the location and aspect on to the Firth of Forth, created at a new linked entrance to the centre.
The proposal includes a mix of indoor and outdoor space achieved by the demolition of the existing north multi-storey car park and former Debenhams store to allow the remaining building to be reconfigured with updated spaces for new commercial opportunities.
The final stage of the masterplan is to introduce a mix of housing on the waterfront, integrating with the trams to Newhaven extension and new local amenities.
Ocean Terminal will now conduct a public consultation, starting with an online exhibition which goes live on September 23. A full planning application is expected in early 2022, with a view to commencing works later that year. The redevelopment represents an investment of more than £100 million.
Chris Richardson, MD for Ambassador Investments, which is responsible for developing a range of residential properties and commercial buildings across Scotland, said, “We’re planning a transformational redevelopment that will finally realise Ocean Terminal’s potential as a leading waterfront destination, whilst placing the changing priorities of residents, businesses, visitors and shoppers centre stage.
“The retail industry and the local environment has evolved significantly in recent years and this redevelopment will create a sustainable destination that people will continue to enjoy for years to come. This is an exciting time for Ocean Terminal, and we look forward to sharing that vision as we move forward.”
Ambassador Group has appointed the following advisers on the project: planning consultants Turley, building surveyors PMP, and architects Keppie Design.
