Ocean Terminal '˜Waterfront Plaza' planned for wasteland

An artist's impression of the development

Dubbed “Waterfront Plaza”, the development will transform the long-disused land – owned by Forth Ports – as part of a wider scheme to regenerate the former industrial dockland site in Leith.

Developer CALA Homes insists the proposal will bring a vacant brownfield site back into use while providing an economic boost to the surrounding area.

Early designs show rows of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, townhouses and colonies spread out under the shadow of the nearby shopping centre.

And retail bosses have already welcomed the blueprints, which it is thought will further bolster any future bid to expand the tram route.

Dennis Jones, centre manager at Ocean Terminal, insisted the project would “directly support jobs” and make Leith “one of the most vibrant parts of the country to live, work and visit”.

CALA Homes said they would lodge a detailed planning application in the summer. Work on site could start as early as 2017 if the proposals are given the go-ahead.

Craig Lynes, land director with CALA Homes (East), said: “Leith has been transformed over the past 30 years, however, progress has slowed.

“The recently completed nearby Albert Dock development located off Ocean Drive, which included townhouses and apartments, was a great success. It is clear there is a demand for a range of high-quality properties to include apartments and family homes in the area. Our proposals for Waterfront Plaza are centred around a pedestrianised high quality public realm through the development linking the Shore area to Ocean Terminal.”

Stuart Paterson, chief financial officer at Forth Ports, added: “The area of land is not currently used to the maximum benefit of the local Leith community and we are keen to ensure that this is changed.

“This is great news for the local area and will help address Edinburgh’s housing shortage and support Ocean Terminal.”

The latest announcement comes just weeks after Ocean Terminal and Holder Planning revealed designs for a 28- storey hotel beside the existing shopping centre.

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