AN agreement to work more closely on strategically important west Edinburgh sites could boost Scotland’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, a cohort of firms have said.
The companies – which are behind more than 280 acres of new developments in west Edinburgh for housing, commercial and retail use – have reached an agreement to collaborate in a number of key areas.
Crosswind Developments and Drum Property Group, as well as neighbouring Edinburgh Airport, say the agreement will still allow each individual proposal to proceed but with more coordination in areas of mutual interest.
Drum Property Group is developing the area formerly known as Edinburgh 205, whilst Crosswind submitted its own application for outline planning permission for Elements Edinburgh on the site of a disused runway last year. The application is currently being considered by Scottish ministers.
John Watson, chief executive of Crosswind, said, “City of Edinburgh Council has asked developers to work together more constructively and this a prime example of us doing our bit. By working together in some specific areas, we can ensure all our plans are delivered in the most cost effective and co-ordinated way.
“Our aim at Crosswind is to deliver one of the greenest developments in Scotland at Elements Edinburgh. All of these developments have the ability to show how the city and the country is leading the way with environmentally sustainable, cutting edge plans which help tackle climate change while bringing significant economic benefit.”
The City of Edinburgh Council recently approved the proposed city plan 2030, in which West Edinburgh area is a key component of future growth. The companies’ proposals align with key policies and specific aims in City Plan 2030 and the ambitions of the Scottish Government’s new planning framework NPF4 which was published earlier this week.
Graeme Bone, group MD of Drum Property Group, commented, “Since taking control of the site at West Edinburgh, we have recognised that working collaboratively with neighbouring interests will be fundamental in the delivery of such an important strategic area for the city.
“Our ambition matches that of the proposed city plan 2030 and we now look forward to progressing a development site that has the potential to transform the west of Edinburgh whilst playing a key role in Scotland’s economic recovery.”
Edinburgh Airport will also be part of the forum. Chief executive Gordon Dewar, added, “We’re all ambitious to unlock the potential of West Edinburgh and we all share a desire to see that ambition achieved sustainably, collaboratively and for the good of the city.
“This agreement formalises the discussions we’ve been having on our individual plans and provides a vehicle for us to deliver an exciting, shared vision for the future. We hope that as we progress others can join with us.”
