June 2 2021

Drum Property Group has obtained consent for scaled-down plans to build 148 apartments at the foot of Leith Walk after agreeing to refurbish a historic parade of shops that were initially earmarked for demolition.

The 2.9 acres Stead's Place development will see the existing industrial estate and offices swept aside, retaining only a two-storey red sandstone frontage.

New landscaping will connect tom Pilrig Park and beyond with the developer committing to retain the present style and size mix of shop frontages to attract smaller independent traders while revamping the first floor to serve as a business centre.

Graeme Bone, group managing director of Drum said: "Our proposals will replace old and tired industrial, office and retail space with new, more flexible, higher quality accommodation for people to live, work, shop, eat, drink and be entertained in - as well as opening up a safe and landscaped thoroughfare connecting Leith Walk to Pilrig Park.

"By retaining and refurbishing the red sandstone buildings facing on to Leith Walk, we are also contributing to the wider regeneration of the local area, providing investment to create an attractive and distinctive destination and focal point which is needed now, more than ever, as the local area recovers from lockdown and the new tram works are progressed."

Today's decision draws a 12-year odyssey to a close since the site was first marketed for development by the City of Edinburgh Council.

4 Comments

#1 Posted by town planner on 2 Jun 2021 at 13:57 PM

Really poor decision to forgo the early plans and this sadly is what we get, underwhelming to say the least. Could never understand what was so great about the red sandstone buildings facing on to Leith Walk... an opportunity missed.

#2 Posted by Mick on 2 Jun 2021 at 14:19 PM

Happy about a green corridor linking up to Ppilrig Park but those flats are architecturally lazy. A bad day for the good people of Leith

#3 Posted by Mixed feelings on 3 Jun 2021 at 17:17 PM

I think this was the wrong decision - the previous proposals would have provided a nice elevation onto Leith Walk. I understand the parade of shops has some charm but retaining what is essentially a single story building in a location so close to town seems a waste of space, especially when the rest of Leith Walk is a higher density. Agree with #2! Happy about the green corridor but these are much lazier architectural proposals than the previous scheme.

#4 Posted by Damp Proof Membrane on 4 Jun 2021 at 13:17 PM

The issue was the treatment of existing community groups and local businesses within the shop units, which was poorly handled. Architecturally the previous scheme was much better, but the local community have fought hard against it and well done to them. That wee green strip down the rear looks like it will be well used by nobody. I think again sites like this, and those immediately next door, demonstrate the lack of central planning, to masterplan and realise integrated urban design and placemaking beyond piecemeal rubbish - which this is.

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