Nearly 40 flats planned for run-down Edinburgh community shopping centre

The plans have been submitted by Manbay Homes who own the existing site.

A run-down community shopping centre in Edinburgh could be transformed if plans are approved by Edinburgh City Centre.

Plans have been submitted to the council by Manbay Homes to convert Saughton Mains Gardens shopping centre to a mixed-use residential and retail development, with all of the flats to be put up for rent by the owners.

The shopping centre proposals could see 38 flats constructed alongside three retail units on the ground floor of the planned three storey development, replacing the existing site which includes a take-away and a convenience store.

Saughton Mains Gardens shops which could be converted into flats

It comes three years after a Chinese restaurant in the block was set alight.

The plans include 12 one-bedroom flats, 23 two-bedroom and three three-bedroom flats with nine of those being affordable housing units.

In the planning statement, the site is described as having “fallen into a state of disrepair” while neighbour responses describe the area as being “run-down”.

The developers state: “It is a large flat roofed 1960’s design, and the shops are all fitted with metal roller shutters, and many are vacant. Two of these are hot food take-aways, only one continues to trade.

“Also a general store remains operational at present. It would not be unreasonable to say that the current buildings have a negative impact upon the landscape and detract from any sense of place.”

They added: “A residential use in this location is acceptable in principle and there should be no objection to the redevelopment of this parade of shops, as they are not protected and appear to be in significant decline.

“The inclusion of a small retail element in more desirable sized units would be a very positive attribute to any redevelopment.

“This is a very positive development, well designed, retaining an appropriate level of retail floorspace and maximising residential accommodation on a brownfield site whilst protecting and enhancing local amenity.”

Several residents have backed the scheme following an unofficial consultation with neighbours to the scheme.

One stated: “It will improve what is a run down part of our district and I’m very pleased that there will be shops for the local community and the garden areas to the flats will make a difference to the landscape.”

Another added: “It is with great interest that we note that we are going to have a new development of flats and shops in the area.

“Sadly the current situation on that site is in a pretty poor condition and sometimes attracts undesirable behaviour. So we are sure it will be of benefit to the community as a whole.”

The developers also suggest in the application that the adjacent pub, previously the ‘The Busy Bee’, could be redeveloped in the future.

The statement says: “It is highly likely that the adjacent public house site will also be suitable for redevelopment soon, given that it is vacant and the current downturn in the market for public houses, and the limited options for the re-use of a building such as this.”