ROBERTSON Construction Central East has delivered a further 139 homes for build to rent (BTR) developer and operator Moda at The McEwan, a wellbeing-focused neighbourhood located on a brownfield site in Edinburgh’s Fountainbridge area.
The final phase builds on the 337 one to three-bedroom apartments already completed in 2022, which became the first residential building in Europe to receive three-star Fitwel accreditation.
The McEwan boasts amenities including resident lounges, a private dining room, cinema and co-working spaces, roof terraces, and a 24/7 gym.
Robertson explained that it engaged with surrounding neighbours to minimise disruption. Continuous flight auger piling was chosen for the foundations to reduce vibrations, while noise levels were monitored throughout.
A fabric-first approach was adopted with high-performance insulation, glazing and modern heating systems. Specialist screeding was also carried out, using three layers of material to absorb impact noise, improve insulation and offer a more sustainable flooring solution than traditional screeding.
Robertson added that all earth and raw material from the site was reused or repurposed, leading to 100% of waste being diverted from landfill.
The business revealed it ensured the second phase brought social and economic benefits, contributing £32.8 million in social, local and economic value. Almost £18 million was spent with a local supply chain, 93% of which went to micro, small and medium enterprises. In addition, 243 local people were employed on-site and 419 weeks of apprenticeships were completed.
Elliot Robertson, CEO of Robertson Group, said, “Working closely with Moda, we’ve brought new life to a once underused part of the city to create a thriving neighbourhood that has become a welcome addition to Edinburgh. This project gave us the opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in operating safely in complex, busy environments while not compromising the quality standards that Robertson is known for.
“A real focus of our approach was to ensure that we provided long-lasting benefits for the local economy and community throughout construction. It’s fantastic that we achieved this by supporting local suppliers, creating jobs, and offering apprenticeships that will help build skills for the future.
“It is also essential that as we look to the future that we see the value that BTR has in helping address the housing emergency being faced in Scotland. I fully support the recommendations being made by the Housing Investment Taskforce, to meet the shortage challenges and to unlock new and existing investment, both public and private. Acting as a catalyst for change, its work will have a multi-generational impact that will improve housing supply and investment resilience, as it works with the government and the sector to address Scotland’s housing needs at scale.”
Tony Brooks, executive chairman, Moda Living, added, “Reaching practical completion at Moda, The McEwan is a landmark moment, and we’re grateful to Robertson, Apache Capital and its investment partners and other stakeholders for helping to deliver the second phase of this fantastic neighbourhood. We’re proud to be playing a role in the regeneration of Fountainbridge and to be welcoming residents into this already dynamic community, designed with health, wellbeing and community in mind, that makes it more than an apartment but a home.”
The second phase of The McEwan was funded as part of a joint venture between Moda, Apache, Harrison Street and NFU Mutual.
