Plans finally approved to turn Edinburgh bingo hall into 200-bed student accommodation after legal agreement
Long-running plans have finally been approved to turn an Edinburgh bingo hall into 200-bed student accommodation, after a legal agreement was signed for developer contributions.
Longstone Limited, which submitted plans to transform the former Mecca and Club 3000 Leith bingo hall at 26 Manderston Street into student blocks in March 2024, will have to pay a total of £280,306 in developer contributions.
This includes £109,106 for trams, £168,200 for healthcare provision and £3000 for the City Car Club scheme.
The plans include the conversion of the existing bingo hall to form four-storey purpose built student accommodation including a new build extension to the south east of the existing building, and areas of infill to the south west upper floor and north elevation.
As well as the refurbishment of a railway arch to form cycle parking, a landscaped courtyard, amenity space, and associated works.
The plans were granted final approval on April 2, more than two years after they were submitted. The approval comes with seven conditions.
These include a revised landscaping scheme, a programme of archaeological work and a site survey being submitted to the council’s planning department.
Prior to the occupation of the development an acoustic barrier shall be designed to mitigate against the upper level plant noise and agreed in writing with the planning authority.
The council’s chief planning officer David Givan said: “In terms of its positioning, height, scale and form, the existing building and its proposed extensions would not have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area.
“The proposal would retain the historic building and although several extensions are proposed, these would not harm the character and appearance of the conservation area.
“Overall, the proposal does not accord with the aim of providing mainstream housing on the site, however in this case when considering the inclusion of the building within the conservation area, student accommodation is acceptable.
“On balance, the proposal is acceptable and there are no other material considerations which outweigh this conclusion.”
The plans received 35 objections and 21 notes of support on the council’s online planning portal. Among the concerns raised were too much student accommodation in the area, a lack of the type of housing required locally and the “unattractive design” of the proposed student accommodation.
One objector said: “We need more diverse residential solutions for Leith residents, affordable living - not more student flats.
“There is already too many within the area, putting pressure on new tram system, at certain times you cannot get on because of the sheer volume of students around Albert Street getting on! More students will filter the transport issue further down the Walk.”
Another added: “There should be a provision for affordable and social housing within this application.”
One objector said: “The construction of 200 student bedrooms without including any mainstream or affordable housing options misinterprets the Halmyre Street Place Brief, which stresses the need for diverse residential solutions in Leith.”
While, other local people supported the planning application, with one saying: “I used to live near here and know the building well. Glad to see the area improving.”
Others highlighted the need for more student housing in the city, the conservation of an old building, and the application freeing up mainstream housing for non-students.
Another person in support of the application said: “I think this is an appropriate use for a building of this nature and age and is probably the best hope of preserving older buildings such as this for the future. This will also remove pressure on local housing.”
The proposed external alterations include the formation of new window and door openings, and roof alterations. The exterior of the proposed extensions to the building will be constructed with a combination of brick and seamed metal.
The south east extension and upper south west extension will both have a blue/green roof. The south east extension incorporates photovoltaic panels.
A Longstone Limited spokesperson previously said: “The local community has expressed a strong desire to conserve the former mill building and our plans for the site allow us to do this.
“While enhancing the character of the Conservation Area, the conversion of the building will help to relieve pressure on the local housing market.
“The proposals will also deliver considerable economic benefits in terms of the construction and operation of the development, and with students spending money in local shops and other outlets.”
The proposals includes a proposed bike maintenance area/cafe within part of the cycle store within the converted former railway archway. This is separated from the cycle store by a glazed screen, with a door access to the cycle store. With 200 bicycle spaces provided.
Before becoming the Club 3000 bingo hall, the space was known as the Mecca Bingo Hall. Prior to this, it was the Leith Capitol Theatre and Cinema - which was built in 1920, with the change of use happening in 1961.