A planning application for a development of high-quality purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) in Edinburgh’s Canongate has been given the green light following an appeal by property developers to the Scottish Government.
Summix (CGE) Developments and S Harrison have been granted permission for the partial demolition of existing buildings and the delivery of PBSA on the site that was once part of the 19th century gasworks at 179A Canongate. The planning application was initially refused by the Council in August 2022.
CGI of the proposed PBSA development – view south along Old Tolbooth Wynd
Comprising 76 high quality studio rooms, the scheme will be targeted at postgraduate students. The ground floor includes an open courtyard with sitting areas and planters, internal shared amenity space plus two study rooms, a gym and a multimedia room. Ideally located opposite the Holyrood Campus of Edinburgh University and within easy reach of other university facilities, the site is well suited to the provision of much-needed PBSA. Nearby bus routes and plenty of cycling storage on site make it a highly accessible location.
Substantial elements of the existing historic buildings are incorporated within the proposed redevelopment along with the demolition of the more recent 20th century buildings. The retained buildings are incorporated within a sympathetic design that respects the site’s historic location and the important surrounding listed buildings.
New build elements consist of a five-storey building with a triple pitched roof on the west side dropping down to a two-storey building with duo pitch roof on the east side to fit with the open nature of the nearby kirkyard. Historic perimeter walls will be retained and the original workshop incorporated within the development which will be an additional unique feature.
Reusing a current brownfield site, this will be a highly energy efficient building adopting a fabric first approach. Low and zero carbon emitting equipment will be incorporated, including air source heat pumps, full LED lighting, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and photovoltaic panels.
The Reporter granted planning permission, noting that:
“The proposed development utilises a brownfield site making efficient use of existing land and buildings. It supports the delivery of accessible accommodation and is appropriately located in walking distance to education facilities, local amenities, and public transport. The scale, form and design respects the historic environment and mitigation measures are incorporated to safeguard the amenity of existing and future occupiers.”
David Clancy of S Harrison said:
“We’re thrilled our application has been approved by the Scottish Government Reporter. These proposals will redevelop an unloved site in the heart of the capital and provide much-needed PBSA in a highly sustainable location, situated so close to many university buildings.
“We are pleased to see that the Reporter noted that the proposed PBSA does not result in an ‘excessive concentration’ of student accommodation in the area and will fit in with the nearby listed buildings, preserving the character and appearance of the Old Town Conservation Area.
“Our proposals are part of the wider redevelopment of this part of the city centre and will help to bring life and economic activity to the area.”
Stuart Black of Summix (CGE) Developments added:
“With the Reporter upholding the appeal, the delivery of high-quality student accommodation on what is a brownfield site, can be progressed.
“This will be a highly energy efficient building, incorporating low and zero carbon emitting equipment, including air source heat pumps, full LED lighting, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and photovoltaic panels.
“It will also serve to address an increasing demand for student accommodation, and through this assist in moving students out of homes more appropriate for families and into well-managed accommodation.”
Note to editors
About S Harrison
S Harrison is a York based privately owned property development company, which was founded in 1952. The company has a strong reputation for successfully developing schemes throughout the UK and across all industry sectors including hotels, retail, residential, heritage projects, office and student accommodation schemes.
The business has made a substantial investment in Edinburgh in recent years. In 2019 the company delivered a £25m scheme to provide a landmark boutique hotel for Malmaison in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town. The work saw the Grade A listed Buchan House, on the north-west corner of St Andrew Square, converted into a stylish 72-bedroom hotel complete with Malmaison’s renowned Chez Mal Bar and Brasserie.
Earlier this year S Harrison secured planning permission for a PBSA scheme of 64 studio apartments, on East Newington Place, off Newington Road, which will see an old, disused commercial unit demolished and the site redeveloped into a modern, energy-efficient, four storey building, with on-site management.
S Harrison has planning permission for a stunning new hotel on Osborne Terrace. The transformational scheme will see Osborne House, an old 1970s office building within the Wester Coates area, just West of Edinburgh’s city centre, converted into a new 157-bedroom hotel, with a restaurant and bar on the ground floor. The developer also recently revealed exciting proposals for a residential-led development at Ocean Point 2 in Leith.
For more information visit www.s-harrison.co.uk
About Summix
Summix is a property company specialising in development projects across the UK and Ireland. Working with its partners, it has successfully delivered thousands of homes in the UK and Ireland since its foundation in 2006.
It works closely with sector specialists across the property space, unlocking the sites it needs, including those that are harder to develop, and helping speed up what can often be a long process from conception to delivery. This ensures that housing, student accommodation and mixed-use schemes are delivered where they are most needed.
Its vision for regeneration involves taking on the most challenging sites, ranging from vacant possession to dormant, dilapidated structures and developing a viable plan for their redevelopment and repurposing. At a time when the demand for housing far outstrips supply, a steady flow of land is essential.
In 2017, the Summix Capital Partners I LP fund was launched to further enhance its ability to deliver larger and more complex projects.
For more information visit www.summix.com