Roof-top gardens top plans for new Fountainbridge flats

An artist's impression of the proposed canalside homes at Fountainbridge. Picture: contributed

The proposals by Glencairn Properties come amid continued regeneration of the area and include ground floor commercial space as well as 30 private flats and 13 affordable apartments.

Currently occupied by a number of flats and Polmart car garage the development would create 10 one-bedroom and studio apartments, 16 two-bedroom apartments, and four three-bedroom apartments with shared amenity space, shared surface parking at ground level and roof-top gardens.

The flats will neighbour short stay serviced accommodation at Fountain Court Apartments and other large scale developments including land formerly occupied by Scottish & Newcastle Breweries (Vastint Development) and the proposed mixed use housing developments at India Quay.

The suggested new development would “act as a natural transition in terms of building and flow between the commercial heights of the developments towards the city centre and the residential heights of the surrounding buildings”, Glencairn said.

It is submitting a full planning application for the first phase of the development, with the second phase being submitted for planning permission in principle.

Glencairn also said the application site is identified in the Edinburgh Local Development Plan as an area for comprehensive redevelopment, with the policies outlined in the report supporting the development of the site for housing-led, mixed use development.

Director Daryl Teague addressed fears that the plans could create congestion.

He said: “We recently held a community consultation and there was a suggestion that the plans could create congestion.

“We have been extremely careful to strike a balance with parking and are actually aiming to discourage car ownership by potentially incorporating charging points for electric cars and spaces for the city car club.

“There are only ten spaces in the plans with two of those allocated to the office units.

“Our plans fit well within the brief and have taken into consideration the highest quality design and build specifications.

“We have built a reputation based on quality, design-led homes and our proposed development will deliver quality private homes for sale in a prime location within the centre.

“There’s a higher mix of student, office and proposed private rental sector development in this particular area of Fountainbridge.

“What we are proposing is to help to create more of a community by establishing increased opportunity for residential ownership in the area.”

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