Edinburgh set for £80m multi-storey block of student flats and residential homes

A multi-storey block consisting of student accommodation and new waterfront homes in Edinburgh have been approved by councillors.

Plans were revealed last year for Ocean Point 2, a development spearheaded by S Harrison Developments, with a mixture of residential and purpose-build student flats proposed along with commercial and amenity space.

The £80million development will add to the ongoing transformation of Leith's waterfront and is set to neighbour Ocean Point 1, delivering a mixed community with one, two and three-bed apartments given planning consent.

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In total, 112 BTR homes are proposed, providing a mix of studio, one-bed, two-bed and three-bed apartments to meet a range of housing needs. A quarter of these are three-bed apartments designed for families, and a quarter of the apartments will be affordable housing.

There are 404 purpose-built student accommodation beds on offer, split between cluster accommodation and studio bedrooms. The former accommodation is intended to be a mix of five and six bedrooms.

Commercial space/co-working and amenity space are also proposed as part of Ocean Point 2, offering active frontage to Ocean Drive, with greatly enhanced public realm encouraging active lifestyles.

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In addition to delivering homes, the new development will deliver significant local spend, amounting to some £5.3 million by residents and visitors annually, supporting an estimated 60 retail and leisure jobs. It has been estimated that 325 jobs will be created directly in the construction of the overall scheme.

The development neighbours Ocean Terminal, which is undergoing a £100 million transformation, delivering a mixed-use development comprising residential, commercial, retail and hospitality.

The extension of the tram line between Edinburgh and Ocean Terminal also provides connectivity between the development and Edinburgh city centre within 20 minutes.

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A spokesperson for Harrison Developments commented: “We are delighted that we have received a green light for our planning application. This will serve to deliver much-needed homes and student accommodation to an area which is undergoing a rapid transformation, delivering a truly mixed sustainable neighbourhood.

“Regenerating a current brownfield site, this development boasts excellent transport links, especially with the new tram line, and will deliver a significant investment into the local area.

“We look forward to continuing to engage with the local community and the Council as we seek to deliver this development.”