The second phase of construction of the neighbourhood will bring an additional 139 new homes to the Fountainbridge area of Edinburgh and is expected to welcome its first residents in early 2025.

The first phase of Moda, The McEwan opened its doors to residents in 2022 and became the first residential building in Europe to receive three-star Fitwel accreditation, making it the healthiest place to live in Scotland. The complete neighbourhood will feature 476 interior-designed homes as well as a wealth of amenities including resident lounges, a private dining room, co-working space, roof terraces and a 24/7 gym.

A dedicated on-site team takes care of any needs the residents may have and run a regular programme of resident events designed to foster wellbeing and community. This led to Moda, The McEwan recently being named top rated BTR community in Scotland at the HomeViews Resident Choice awards, which are based solely on verified resident reviews.

The topping-out milestone was marked with a celebration attended by representatives from Moda and construction partner Robertson, as well as housing minister Paul McLennan, and City of Edinburgh Council members. The second phase of the neighbourhood was funded as part of a joint venture between Moda, Apache, Harriston Street and NFU Mutual.

Moda is recognised as a global leader in Fitwel accreditations and has the distinction of holding the most globally. Moda, The McEwan is its first neighbourhood in Scotland and will soon be joined by Moda, Holland Park in Glasgow which will bring 433 high quality homes and a wealth of amenities to the Strathclyde area of the city later this year.

Casa by Moda, the single-family homes arm of Moda Group, launched the first phase of its first neighbourhood, Casa, Vista Park, in the Springboig area of Glasgow in 2023. The first two phases of the neighbourhood both sold out ahead of opening, with the second wave of residents due to move in next month.

Housing minister Paul McLennan said: “It’s fantastic to see these high-quality new homes for Edinburgh reach this milestone. Providing not just housing for the city but spaces that prioritise the health and wellbeing of their residents is great for the city, and I look forward to working with Moda going forwards as they work to deliver more new homes for Scotland.”

Tony Brooks, executive chair, Moda Group, said: “Topping out is a huge construction milestone for any project, but it’s especially exciting at The McEwan due to already having residents on site who have rated this the best place to live in Scotland. We’re looking forward to welcoming more residents to this highly sought after neighbourhood, where the hard work of the on-site teams is truly paying off. Thank you to our construction partners Robertson on their excellent work on both phases and helping us reach this milestone.

“It is notable that we hit this milestone on the day the new Scottish Housing Bill was released, and I was glad to have the opportunity to discuss it with the Housing Minister in person. Over the coming months, we plan to work very closely with the Scottish Government to try and shape the proposed bill. It is essential that the bill creates a proactive, positive investment climate if the new homes which Scotland so desperately needs are to be delivered.”

Elliot Robertson, chief executive officer, Robertson Group, said: “Today’s topping out event signifies that new residents will soon be fortunate to call The McEwan ‘home’. Moda creates award winning neighbourhoods, but through partnering with Robertson, the benefits from The McEwan go beyond beautiful new homes, our commitment to community wealth building has seen over £4m spent with local supply chain and micro, small and medium enterprises, and the delivery of over 110 weeks of training opportunities, meaningful work placements and pre-employment courses.

“The McEwan is a vibrant and exciting new neighbourhood that through its construction has had a positive impact on the wider local economy and community.”