Edinburgh flats to get fire safety upgrades and better insulation under new plans
Two Edinburgh hire-rise buildings dating back to the late 1960s are set to be upgraded as part of a £21m project to bring the homes up to modern standards.
Plans for Peffermill Court and Craigmillar Court, which both contain 57 two-bedroom homes, include fire safety upgrades and improved insulation as part of the comprehensive retrofit.
On Thursday (January 15) the council’s finance and resources committee recommended the approval of the £21 million contract to Kier Construction.
Forming part of the council’s wider Strategic Investment Plan for high-rise buildings, proposed works include: renewed mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) services, increased natural light and new canopies to provide shelter from the weather, additional tree planting and a renovated and improved play park.
Housing, homelessness and fair work convener, councillor Tim Pogson, said: “This £21 million investment represents a major step forward in improving the quality, safety and sustainability of our high-rise homes.
“By upgrading insulation, ventilation, fire safety and communal spaces, this project will deliver warmer, healthier and more affordable homes for residents, while also ensuring these buildings are fit for the future.”
Built in 1968, the two floor blocks currently have no insulation, making homes difficult and expensive to heat. The retrofit will introduce extensive external wall insulation, dramatically improving thermal performance and helping homes retain heat more effectively. These upgrades are expected to create warmer living spaces and reduce heating costs for residents throughout the year.
To further improve indoor air quality and tackle long-standing issues with damp and mould, each flat will be fitted with a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) system. This will provide a continuous supply of fresh air while retaining heat, supporting healthier and more comfortable homes.