The City of Edinburgh Council’s finance and resources committee has recommended the approval of a £21 million contract to Kier Construction to deliver a retrofit and upgrade programme at Craigmillar Court and Peffermill Court.
The project forms part of the local authority’s wider strategic investment plan for high-rise buildings and will bring both blocks up to modern standards, improving comfort, safety, energy efficiency and long-term sustainability for residents.
Built in 1968, the two-floor blocks currently have no insulation, making homes difficult and expensive to heat. The council said the retrofit will introduce extensive external wall insulation, improving thermal performance and helping homes retain heat more effectively.
To further improve indoor air quality and tackle issues with damp and mould, each flat will be fitted with a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) system. This will provide a continuous supply of fresh air while retaining heat, supporting healthier and more comfortable homes.
Other improvements include fire safety enhancements including installation of new fire doors, sprinkler systems in every flat and a dedicated firefighting lift in each block; existing bin chutes will be removed and replaced with a new on-site waste strategy; and security will also be strengthened through the installation of a comprehensive CCTV system, covering all stairwells and common lobby landings.
Further to this is almost all mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) services being replaced where they have reached the end of their life or are difficult to maintain; larger, brighter entrance lobbies, increased natural light and new canopies to provide shelter from the weather; concierge facilities will be significantly upgraded; and new and improved shared spaces will encourage interaction between residents and support activities with the wider community, making better use of previously underutilised areas within the buildings.
Craigmillar Court and Peffermill Court each contain 57 two-bedroom homes.
City of Edinburgh Council housing, homelessness, and fair work convener, councillor Tim Pogson, said, “This £21 million investment represents a major step forward in improving the quality, safety and sustainability of our high-rise homes. By upgrading insulation, ventilation, fire safety and communal spaces, this project will deliver warmer, healthier and more affordable homes for residents, while also ensuring these buildings are fit for the future.”
