Powderhall regeneration project moves forward as construction gets under way on council homes and early years centre
Work to build new council homes and an early years centre is now under way as the Powderhall regeneration project enters its next phase.
Contractors CCG (Scotland) have begun installing substructures, foundations and drainage on the site of the former bowling greens. In this phase of the Powderhall regeneration project, 27 council homes for older residents, including 19 wheelchair-adapted homes, will be created.
An early years centre offering 128 new spaces will also be delivered.
The centre will be managed by Broughton Primary School and is part of the expansion on early learning centres and childcare provision in the city.
The project will also facilitate vital improvements to St Mark’s Path.
Councillor Tim Pogson, housing, homelessness and fair work convener, said: “This is a very exciting moment for the Powderhall regeneration. Seeing foundations now laid for the next phase marks real progress in delivering more homes our city urgently needs.
“I am looking forward to seeing the new affordable homes and early years centre take shape.”
The Powderhall regeneration project has already seen the historic Powderhall Stables transformed into a flexible workspace and artist studios, which are due to open soon, as well as much-needed upgrades to the Broughton Road and McDonald Road junction.
The final phase of the project will see the former waste site transformed into the location of more than 200 new, affordable and private homes as well as a new civic square on Broughton Road.
Cllr Pogson added: “Once all phases of Powderhall are complete there will be more than 200 homes alongside new community facilities and green space.
This development will create a vibrant and inclusive new neighbourhood for people to live and thrive in.
“Two years on from declaring a housing emergency, we know we must keep pushing forward with solutions to deliver more housing at pace. Plans to regenerate city centre brownfield sites such as the former waste transfer station will form part of this.”
The project received a £1.4m funding boost from the Scottish Government’s Vacant & Derelict Land Investment Programme.
David Wylie, CCG managing director, said: “Powderhall will soon become a valued asset for Canonmills.
“Not only will it help to address the growing demand for amenity housing and nursery spaces, but its delivery will also help to create a lasting positive legacy for the wider community, far beyond bricks and mortar.
“Six new jobs, one trade apprenticeship and 13 work placements are set to be created, alongside £7,500 of investment and a commitment to undertake 50 volunteering days in support of Broughton Primary School.
“We thank the City of Edinburgh Council for their continued support, and I look forward to seeing how construction will take shape in the months ahead.”