Proposals for 700 homes to be considered by Edinburgh councillors

Pennywell civic centreA proposal to redevelop Muirhouse Shopping Centre and surrounding area to create a new civic centre within the Pennywell and Muirhouse area of the capital is being considered by the City of Edinburgh Council next week.

This additional investment will complement and enhance the substantial public and private investment made to date in the ongoing regeneration of the wider area.

A report going before all councillors on October 27 outlines the proposals which are anticipated to bring around 160 energy efficient affordable homes, 13 retail units, new office space for local services and a new quality civic square and public realm, linking this centre with the wider area.

Pennywell civic centre 2More than 90 of the homes will be built specifically for older people with lifts and communal meeting space.

The council said the aim of this is to create a safe, secure and supportive environment to enable residents to remain in their home for longer.

Approval will be sought to place a project order with Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd using Scape Group Ltd framework to deliver the civic centre on a phased basis over the next three to four years.

Community members can still put forward suggestions for the final design until October 28.

Housing convener, Councillor Cammy Day, said: “The Pennywell development is Scotland’s largest housing-led regeneration scheme which captures what we’re aiming for across the city - a range of affordable, energy efficient homes that are completed to the highest standard.

“We know there is a strong desire within the Pennywell and Muirhouse community to see the area transformed into a new ‘civic heart’ for the existing, new and emerging population. These proposals for a new local centre and community hub will make the area an attractive place where people wish to live, work and play and will serve future generations.”

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