Edinburgh’s skyline is constantly changing – with developments like the St James Quarter and the revamped Meadowbank Sports Centre among major changes in recent years.
From housing developments and purpose built student flats on historic sites to luxury hotels and shopping centres, there are many major developments set to transform the face of the city. Big plans can prove controversial, often prompting objections to building projects that locals worry could have a detrimental impact on their city.
But there are plenty that have been given the go-ahead. Numerous developments across the city are in the pipeline now and expected to be completed in the next five years – everything from a massive Princes Street hotel to one of the country’s biggest affordable housing developments.
Here are 12 major developments to look out for in the next five years.
1. Edinburgh Garden District
The first phase of the £500m Edinburgh Garden District – Redheughs Village – plans to deliver 1,350 homes, including more than 330 new affordable homes, as well as funding for a new primary school and nursery with places for all children on the site. Photo: National World
2. Royal High School
The old Royal High School will be turned into a National Centre for music and home for St Mary’s. The plans have been backed by violinist Nicola Benedetti. The £55m project will breathe life back into the The Grade A-listed building, which dates back to 1829, and was last used as a school in 1968. Photo: Richard Murphy Architects
3. Ocean Terminal
The 20-year-old shopping centre will be partially demolished and transformed under £100m plans. The scheme will create a new ‘community-led complex’ with further plans for a mixed-use development comprising a range of housing, commercial units and public realm. Photo: Supplied
4. Jock's Lodge
The proposed development at Jock's Lodge would see purpose-built student accommodation of 191 student rooms built along with ground-floor commercial space, at the corner of Restalrig Road South and London Road. If given the go-ahead, the plans will see the former Jock’s Lodge pub, now The Willow, demolished. Photo: Supplied