The organisation, which supplied over 1,700 new homes in the last year, acquired the 110-acre site from Murray Estates in its ambition to deliver more new homes to meet rising demand across the Scottish capital.

Situated west of the city centre, the site provides fantastic transport links as well as education, leisure and employment opportunities nearby.

Colin Jack, regional managing director – Scotland of Places for People Developments, said: “The City of Edinburgh and the Scottish Government have declared a housing emergency. This is a sign that for too long Scotland has failed to address our chronic shortage of homes being built.

“We are ready to help address this, and it is why we’re thrilled to play a part in developing the west of Edinburgh. This site will see over 1,300 new homes being brought forward in much needed mixed-tenure communities. Using our team’s extensive housebuilding background, we can create communities that last for generations to come.”

Taking the principles of new town living, Places for People is  preparing a Masterplan for the site in line with the Edinburgh City Plan 2030 which could include, but is not limited to:

• A broad mix of housing types to suit local needs from 1-bed apartments up to 5-bed family homes
• Over 1,300 new homes delivered across the site
• A substantial number of new homes built will be affordable homes across a range of tenures
• Plenty of useable greenspace with a landscaped linear park running through the development
• New employment opportunities during the ten-year construction period as well as after
• New educational provisions, including a primary school
• Greater connectivity to the city centre through improved links to cycles paths along with tram, train and bus routes
• Local commercial centre 

David Murray, managing director of Murray Estates’ owner Murray Capital, said: “As a family business that has owned this site for 40 years, we’re pleased to see our vision for Redheughs taken forward by an organisation committed to creating sustainable, high-quality communities.

“It’s nearly 10 years since we first applied for outline planning approval, so this transaction also unlocks capital that we can invest in new projects that support our ambitions as a patient, entrepreneurial business.

“This is the first phase of the broader Edinburgh Garden District, which is a key part of the western expansion of the city. We look forward to seeing west Edinburgh come to life and contribute thousands of new homes the capital so desperately needs. We retain other strategic land holdings in the area – including 500 acres of the Garden District – and will look to develop options for these over the coming years.”

As a social enterprise, Places for People will also look to boost social impact activities across Scotland. In addition to promoting apprenticeships, local labour schemes and training opportunities through the development, they will look to supplement existing schemes in Edinburgh including the Hays Community Pantry and the Tools for Equity project.

In partnership with their subsidiary Places Leisure, they will also deliver additional physical activity sessions, extend the Relational Mentoring Project in partnership with Wise Group and form new partnerships with charities to address challenges in local communities.  

Colin added: “With the scale of our organisation, we know how important access to affordable housing is and our unique model supports us in delivering places that allow people to flourish. We don’t just build homes; we create communities that allow people to connect.

“Through our partnerships with local charities and businesses we strive to bring a place to life and ensure the community has access to services and resources that they need. We will now work closely with Edinburgh City Council to bring our aspirations to fruition.”  

Plans will see homes being built from Summer 2026.