Work begins on ‘transformational’ Granton Waterfront housing development

Sod cutting

WORK is underway on the build of a new affordable housing development in the Granton Waterfront area of Edinburgh.

A ceremonial sod-cutting event took place yesterday, with City of Edinburgh Council leader Cammy Day joined by Cruden MD, Fraser Lynes, and architects Smith Scott Mullan as work got underway on the development of the 143 energy efficient properties.

Artist's impression

The Silverlea project will deliver a mix of social and mid-market rent properties one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes across the site, including wheelchair accessible accommodation. Work will also include upgrades to greenspace and the main footpath linking Salveson Cresent and Marine Drive to create safer, easier access to the shorelines. Plans also include a new Pavilion for Craigroyston Community Football club.

The development is part of the £1.3 billion Granton Waterfront regeneration which will create a new residential-led mixed-use community and will deliver around 3,500 net zero carbon homes, a primary school, a health centre, commercial and cultural space, and a new coastal park.

Fraser Lynes, MD of Cruden, said, “Silverlea is a great example of development with sustainability and community at its heart, and we are thrilled to be involved in the delivery of this transformational project. The City of Edinburgh Council must be commended in bringing forward these much needed social and mid-market homes amid the capital’s housing emergency, and for specifying them to net zero carbon standards, making them greener, cleaner and more efficient to heat and run.

Artist's impression

“During this development, we’re looking forward to providing the new pavilion for Craigroyston Boys Club, carefully re-using the Griffens from the historic Muirhouse Mansion, as well as delivering an important programme of new tree planting and a wildflower meadow to enhance local greenspace.”

Council leader Cammy Day added, “It was great to attend the sod-cutting ceremony at the Silverlea site today as we marked the beginning of construction on this exciting development here in Edinburgh. We’re facing a Housing Emergency so we must continue to build more affordable housing to address our chronic shortage.

“To deliver our net zero targets for the capital, sustainable regeneration is so important, and every element of this development has been designed with that in mind. I’m delighted that plans also include a new Pavilion for Craigroyston Community Football Club which will be a real asset to the community.

“The project forms part of the wider £1.3 billion regeneration of the Granton area where we’re unlocking brownfield land to build a new sustainable 20-minute neighbourhood. We’re continuing to work hard to ensure Granton is somewhere residents will be proud to live and I look forward to seeing progress continue throughout this year.”