The First Minister has welcomed the start of work on one of Scotland’s largest brownfield regeneration schemes.
John Swinney visited the site in Granton on Wednesday where preparations are under way for the construction of a major net zero housing development.
The first phase of the Granton Waterfront regeneration project will provide 847 net zero homes, including 387 affordable homes, 14 commercial units and a new primary school on former industrial land.
It is part of a wider £1.3 billion transformation of Edinburgh’s waterfront that will create 3,500 homes, new leisure facilities and Scotland’s largest coastal park.
Mr Swinney said the development will be a “major source” of employment and economic growth for the area.
He said: “This is a very significant development in the Granton area of the city of Edinburgh, where the Government has brought together investment funding, along with the city council, some real innovation in attracting housing investment and working with Cruden Homes to create over 840 new homes.
“It’s taking forward the Government’s commitment to create energy-efficient housing, to expand the housing supply.
“It will be a major source of employment and economic growth, and it’s exactly what’s envisaged in the Programme for Government of being a project that can bring together a variety of private and public sector investment to fuel growth within the Scottish economy.”
Mr Swinney joined local school pupils at the site, including young people who have benefitted from Granton Waterfront Construction Pathway courses which are delivered by Edinburgh College in partnership with local schools and Cruden Homes.
Mr Swinney continued: “We’ve managed to leverage significant investment from the private sector as part of the developments that we are taking forward.
“It will also create employment and skills, and particular opportunities for young people in an area of deprivation within the city of Edinburgh.
“It will also regenerate the city community in and around about Granton, and combined with other investments that the Government is making on the Granton Artworks project that will transform this area into a really vibrant and dynamic part of the city.
“It’s an illustration of the strength that can be achieved, the opportunities for growth that can be achieved, if the Government’s policy direction is implemented.”
Jane Meagher, leader of City of Edinburgh Council, said the development is a “big step forward” for Granton.
She continued: “Through our joint efforts, we’ll transform this former industrial site into a new coastal town and community. It’s important that those living in neighbouring communities benefit from the investment we’re making in the area.”