New pictures show how £250m New Town development on former RBS site could look

The mixed-use development will see up to 350 homes built.

The New Town North development from above

Brand new artist’s impressions of one of Edinburgh city centre’s biggest redevelopments have been released by the developers.

The New Town North development will see up to 350 homes, premium office space and a hotel replace the existing 1970s era office block formerly home to the Royal Bank of Scotland which left the site in 2017.

Property company Ediston, who are delivering the project on behalf of Orion Capital Managers who purchased the 5.9 acre site in May 2019, released new images showing how the development could look.

The courtyard within the New Town North development.

As well as the homes and build to rent flats, the project also includes plans for retail outlets, gym and health facilities as well as extensive landscaping and a new courtyard within the development.

The release of the pictures comes as the developers launch an online consultation for the plans, following the cancellation of the planned public event due to coronavirus.

Ross McNulty, development director at Ediston, said the project will continue to progress despite issues raised by COVID-19.

He said: “Now, more than ever, we are 100% committed to progressing with our planning application this year.

The view of New Town North from Royal Crescent. The trees will remain throughout construction.

“This is our third consultation event and provides an opportunity for the local community to have a clearer idea on how the development will look - even if they can’t attend an exhibition in person.

“Our team is working hard to be ready for significant engagement with residents to make sure they all have their say in our proposals.

“We are aware that this is a complex and large brownfield site with important links to some of Edinburgh’s finest streets and green spaces, and we are making sure we consult properly with local people to deliver a high-quality development.”

He added that the progression of the development would be welcomed by local businesses who lost business from around 2,500 RBS employees when the site shut three years ago.

The New Town North development from Royal Crescent with the retained trees

Research for the development also claimed the project would create 700 full time jobs and generate an estimated £34m in additional economic activity, with 60 jobs created by the construction phase alone.

Mr McNulty said: “New Town North will provide a significant boost for the local area which will have a positive impact on local businesses – who are in desperate need of some good news right now.

“From our discussions with the local business community, we are aware of the impact that a large redundant site can have on the local area – and the huge potential of creating a new attractive destination and focal point for the area.

“Our research highlights the significant investment benefits that this high-quality development would bring to the Edinburgh economy, as well as helping to meet the pressing need for high quality new homes and office space.”