Craigmillar revival goes on with green light for 150 homes

A DEAL has been struck to build almost 150 new homes as part of the huge regeneration of Craigmillar.

An artist's impression of the proposed development. Picture: contributed

The vacant site on Niddrie Mains Road is the final phase in the Wauchope Square masterplan.

The land has been sold to Edinburgh-based housebuilder Cruden Homes, which will now draw up plans for a mix of 148 one, two and three-bedroom properties.

Craigmillar’s regeneration is being overseen by the EDI Group Ltd, through its subsidiary Parc Craigmillar Ltd, and the Niddrie Mains Road sale is being seen as crucial to the development.

When completed, the area will boast more than 2000 new homes, as well a shopping centre featuring the likes of supermarket giant Lidl and furnishings store Home Bargains.

It will also feature a public square, a play park and a new secondary school.

Mark Harris, head of regeneration at the EDI Group, said: “This announcement signals the final sale of land in EDI’s Wauchope Square development. We’re pleased to be working again with Cruden Homes and the delivery of new homes at Wauchope will be instrumental in creating a thriving community to support our Craigmillar Town Centre improvements, including a new retail centre due to start in spring.”

Cruden Homes is currently working with the EDI Group, the city council arms-length development company, on other sites across the Capital.

Fraser Lynes, land and development director at Cruden Homes, said: “We’re delighted to be continuing our association with the ongoing regeneration of Craigmillar and look forward to delivering this phase of quality homes and apartments.”

Last year, the Evening News revealed proposals for a short-term green space on the site where a replacement 
Castlebrae Community High is scheduled to be delivered by 2020.

The plans – which are due to be completed by April – include upgrading existing paths along a new woodland area, as well as planting an orchard and making room for a hazel and wood copse. The temporary parkland will then be phased out as development on the site progresses.

Blueprints for the wider Craigmillar revamp show a £27 million replacement secondary school, with space for around 600 pupils, located close to the existing community library – with an entrance at Niddrie Mains Road.

Councillor Frank Ross, city economy leader and EDI chair, said: “This next phase is an important milestone for the regeneration of Craigmillar and we look forward to delivering this phase of quality homes and apartments.

“I am sure that Cruden Homes’ vision for a vibrant mix of apartments and houses will help trigger further investment in the area, creating welcome job opportunities in construction and other related areas in support of EDI’s plans for a revived town centre for Craigmillar.”