Edinburgh is set to experience a significant economic boost with the launch of the Granton Waterfront regeneration project, a £1.3 billion initiative aimed at transforming the city’s largest brownfield site into a vibrant, sustainable coastal town. The project is expected to create over 800 net zero homes, commercial units, and public spaces, contributing to the city’s growing economic momentum. A significant milestone in the project has been reached with plans being made available on the City of Edinburgh Council’s Planning Portal.
Recent reports highlight Edinburgh’s impressive climb in economic rankings, with the city rising by 10 places in the latest quarterly ranking of economic momentum across 20 UK cities. This surge is attributed to faster-than-average population growth, a resilient housing market, and strong job growth. Edinburgh now ranks eighth in JPES Partners’ economic momentum rankings, showcasing its potential to support renewed economic positivity.
The Granton Waterfront project, in partnership with Cruden Homes, will deliver energy-efficient, family, and wheelchair-accessible homes connected to a low carbon heat network. The development will include a new primary school, commercial units, active travel routes, and a sustainable transport infrastructure. A key point of note is that the iconic Granton Gasholder is to be restored to become a public park, and the former Granton Station has been refurbished with a new public square.
Commenting on the project, Council Leader Cammy Day said:
“We’ve been consulting with people every step of the way to deliver this project. I’m really pleased that after listening to feedback from the local community and others interested in the area, the team has submitted plans for the largest regeneration project of its kind in Scotland at Granton Waterfront as part of the £1.3 billion regeneration. 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.”
Fraser Lynes, Managing Director of Cruden Homes said:
“We have thoroughly enjoyed working closely with the Council, local community and key stakeholders to create a transformational design that reconnects the Capital to the Firth of Forth. This landmark, landscape-led development of Edinburgh’s coastline takes a fresh approach to urban regeneration which will create an exciting new coastal community set to become one of Europe’s largest waterside amenities.”
