Plans submitted for 'one of largest' developments in Edinburgh for a generation

The plans would see a massive redevelopment of the former RBS site in New Town.

Plans have been submitted for “one of the largest developments” in Edinburgh “for a generation”, according to the companies behind the project.

Ediston and Orion Capital Managers unveiled a redevelopment proposal for the former RBS site in the New Town yesterday, after completing the consultation stage.

If approved, the plans would see new homes, offices and a hotel on the 5.9-acre site off Dundas Street.

Plans have been submitted for “one of the largest developments” in Edinburgh “for a generation”, according to the companies behind the project. Ediston and Orion Capital Managers unveiled a redevelopment proposal for the former RBS site in the New Town yesterday, after completing the consultation stage.

Ediston and Orion said their proposals were subject to “one of the largest consultations ever on a city centre development”, which included three public exhibitions, a significant number of bespoke meetings with community groups and representatives, and an analysis of hundreds of comments and submissions.

The companies claim the “New Town Quarter” development plan could boost the local economy to the tune of millions of pounds a year, bringing hundreds of jobs along with it.

A study by UK planning and engineering consultancy The Waterman Group, suggested that the finished project could create more than 700 full-time jobs, whilst generating an annual economic boost of £34.4 million.

Ross McNulty, Development Director at Ediston said: “We firmly believe that now is the right time to move forward with our proposals and deliver further significant investment in the heart of the nation’s capital.

“We have worked hard with key stakeholders and the local community to deliver proposals that are consistent with planning policies and our aspirations to create a new high-quality addition to the local area and the city.

“I would like to thank all of the organisations and residents who gave their time and feedback to the consultation process. It has made a huge contribution to refining and improving the proposals. This is a large and complex site, and we wanted to take the time to get it right”.

He added: “Our proposals for New Town Quarter will help speed economic recovery in Edinburgh. Research highlights the significant investment benefits that this high-quality development would bring to the Edinburgh economy, as well as helping to meet the pressing need for high quality new homes and office space.”

A Message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

Subscribe to the Edinburgh Evening News online and enjoy unlimited access to trusted, fact-checked news and sport from Edinburgh and the Lothians. Visit https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director