Plans unveiled to redevelop former Leith bingo hall into student homes

MEMBERS of the public are being invited to offer feedback on plans to redevelop the bingo hall on Leith’s Manderston Street.

Developer Longstone (2) Limited has unveiled plans to conserve and redevelop the existing building into new students homes, with the proposals following the current operators of the bingo hall, Club 3000, moving to a new premises at Ocean Terminal in the summer.

The conservation and retention of the property does restrict its potential uses and following the building’s inclusion in the Leith conservation area, the potential to use the site for housing was explored, Longstone said.

However, the developer explained that the building is ‘not well-suited’ to a residential conversion and a viable scheme would fail to comply with many of the City of Edinburgh Council’s planning policies for new housing – an example being, dual aspect dwellings and minimum open space requirements. If housing were to be delivered, it would require the demolition of the building, the firm added.

The proposed use as student homes is said to allow for the creation of a high-quality development that complies with the council’s student housing policies, while also retaining and enhancing the elements of the building that contribute to the surrounding conservation area.

The existing building is described as being in poor condition and is ‘extremely’ energy inefficient. In 2020, Historic Environment Scotland assessed the building for potential listed status and concluded that it did not meet the criteria of special architectural or historic interest.

The public consultation event will take place on Wednesday 17th January 2024 between 4:00pm and 7:30pm in McDonald Road Library, 2-8 McDonald Road, Edinburgh EH7 4LU. 

Exhibition boards detailing the project will be available at the event, as well as from the project website from 9am on the day of the event. Feedback forms will also be available, and attendees are encouraged to share their views. The form will also be available on the website and all feedback should be returned by Wednesday 31 January.  

A Longstone (2) Limited spokesperson said, “The local community has expressed a strong desire to conserve the former mill building and our plans for the site allow us to do this., While enhancing the character of the conservation area, the conversion of the building will help to relieve pressure on the local housing market.

“The proposals will also deliver considerable economic benefits in terms of the construction and operation of the development, and with students spending money in local shops and other outlets. We are keen to welcome local residents to our public consultation event and to working with them as we progress the development.”