First look at new Edinburgh development on site of historic Caledonian Brewery

Developers have given locals in Edinburgh a first look at plans which will see the historic Caledonian Brewery turned into residential homes.

A listed building consent application has been prepared on behalf of Artisan Real Estate, who agreed a deal to buy the site on Slateford Road from Heineken last year, which would see 168 home built.

The proposals would see several historic structures at the south of the site retained and converted into residential accommodation with the brewery's maltings block replaced by homes.

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Modern warehouses at the north end of the site are said to have "low cultural heritage value" and would be removed with two residential blocks built in their place.

In December 2022, we reported how a pre-application notice was submitted to the council by Artisan Real Estate as they expressed an initial desire to transform the 1.9-acre plot of land.

The B-listed Victorian buildings that were home to the brewery were first opened in 1869 by George Lorimer and Robert Clark. Heineken had taken over the historic “Calley” site from Scottish and Newcastle in 2008 but in May 2022 the firm announced that they would be closing the brewery and putting the area up for sale.

A six-part design and access statement has now been prepared outlining the details of the proposals. A mixture of private and affordable homes are proposed with the first set of visuals of the completed development also submitted for members of the public to view.

A summary of the proposal reads: "Our vision for the site embraces its history, retaining, preserving and converting the earliest brewery buildings which contribute most strongly to the special interest of the site into a significant and new liveable urban location.

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"Our proposal aims to cultivate a diverse and engaging environment, enriching the area’s character. The proposal envisions the establishment of a pedestrian and cycle-friendly community, fostering routes and views to such a crucial historical heart of the area. The design will deliver high-quality housing, facilitating the formation of a new green space and re-establishing the former Caledonian Brewery as a local landmark, defining its significance as a crucial connection point within the city.

"In line with Edinburgh City Council guidance, the proposal will deliver a development of 168 homes including affordable homes in line with CEC policy bringing in much needed permanent housing to such a well-connected part of Edinburgh City."

In terms of the type of housing proposed, a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and mews homes would occupy the spacious plot of land with the designs establishing a "contemporary, open and sustainable place to live."

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The developer says efficiency is prioritised throughout the design process and private amenity space is central to the project with the majority of private for sale units featuring balconies with views towards neighbouring trees. A number of homes within the refurbished late 19th century industrial buildings will "add a unique and authentic character to the properties, preserving the heritage of the site in a modern and approachable style."

The detailed plans can be viewed by members of the public on the council's planning portal here