PLATFORM_ and Heimstaden are marking a milestone after their flagship build-to-rent (BTR) development in the Bonnington area of Edinburgh topped out, reaching six storeys.
Developer and operator PLATFORM_ was joined by Heimstaden, which is forward funding the project, and key members of the project team, including main contractor GRAHAM, to mark the occasion. The development is on schedule to complete in summer 2024.
Wider project team members also joined the event including jmarchitects, quantity surveyor Thomas & Adamson, and project manager and employer’s agent Axiom. Attendees ascended to the top floor to sign a commemorative plaque.
The PLATFORM_ branded scheme is set across 325,000 sq. ft. in three residential blocks and will deliver 464 new homes, including 116 affordable units. The £125 million development is being delivered by PLATFORM_ on behalf of Heimstaden. It will be Heimstaden’s second major UK BTR development to complete, as part of a pipeline totalling 1,400 homes.
Residents will benefit from an on-site customer service and maintenance team and amenities including a gym with yoga room and spin studio, screening room, private dining room and open plan co-working space. Rooftop terraces that overlook the Water of Leith will provide space to socialise.
The wider development will also include four new commercial units. A new access road to the site is under construction, which will link Anderson Place and Bonnington Road Lane.
The scheme will include electric vehicle charging points and all apartments will benefit from mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) units. Roof mounted solar panels will provide on-site power generation for the common areas. The development is an all-electric scheme.
Jean-Marc Vandevivere, CEO at PLATFORM_, said, “Edinburgh is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe and we are incredibly proud to partner with Heimstaden to enhance the popular Bonnington district with tech-enabled and well-priced housing, continuing the regeneration of the area. Our range of one, two and three bedroom apartments have been designed with flexible living at their heart, providing a blueprint for modern day living and attractive rental opportunities for a wide range of demographics.
“It was fantastic to join our funders and project team to celebrate a significant milestone in our journey to becoming one of the most sought-after locations in Edinburgh to call home.”
Christian Birrell, head of UK investments at Heimstaden, added, “At Heimstaden, we are very happy to extend our growing UK footprint of what we call Friendly Homes to the Scottish capital and are especially pleased to be involved in a low emission project benefiting the net zero trajectory for Edinburgh. Designed and operated with a tenant-centric mindset, the 464 new homes in Bonnington represent a considerable supply relief to the ever so strained Edinburgh rental market from a long-term oriented, responsible institutional owner.”
Gary Holmes, regional MD for GRAHAM’s building north region, commented, “GRAHAM is proud to be working with PLATFORM_ and Heimstaden to deliver a BTR development which prioritises sustainability and the resident experience. BTR is a rapidly emerging sector which is revolutionising the UK rental market. Our team is pleased to aid the regeneration of the Bonnington area, a community which is becoming a destination of choice for Edinburgh residents.”
GRAHAM is also undertaking construction of PLATFORM_’s development at Central Quay, Glasgow. That project, due to complete in October 2023, will create 498 homes and become one of the tallest buildings in the city at 20-storeys high.
