Developer and operator PLATFORM_ was joined by Heimstaden, which is forward funding the project, and key members of the project team, including main contractor GRAHAM, to celebrate the milestone. The development is on schedule to complete in summer 2024.

Wider project team members also joined the event including jmarchitects, quantity surveyor Thomas & Adamson, and project manager and employer’s agent Axiom. Attendees ascended to the top floor to sign a commemorative plaque.

The PLATFORM_ branded scheme is set across 325,000 sq. ft. in three residential blocks and will deliver 464 new homes for the community, including 116 much-needed affordable units. The £125 million development is being delivered by PLATFORM_ on behalf of Heimstaden. It will be Heimstaden’s second major UK BTR development to complete, as part of a development pipeline totalling 1,400 homes.

Set in a popular location on the Water of Leith, the scheme is within walking distance to the bars and restaurants of Leith Shore as well as benefiting from excellent public transport links to the city centre – including the recently opened tram line extension. The development is expected to attract strong interest from renters in the capital, where existing provision is limited.

Residents will also benefit from an on-site customer service and maintenance team and a range of first-class amenities including a fully equipped gym with yoga room and spin studio, screening room, bookable private dining room and open plan co-working space. Rooftop terraces that overlook the Water of Leith will provide fantastic space to socialise with family and friends.

The wider development will also include four new commercial units, attractive to local businesses and convenience store operators. A new access road to the site is under construction, which will link Anderson Place and Bonnington Road Lane.

With a key focus on sustainability, the scheme will include electric vehicle charging points and all apartments will benefit from mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) units. Roof-mounted solar panels will provide on-site power generation for the common areas. The development is an all-electric scheme, which will directly benefit from Edinburgh City Council’s plan to deliver a net zero city by 2030.

Jean-Marc Vandevivere, CEO at PLATFORM_, said: “Edinburgh is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe and we are incredibly proud to partner with Heimstaden to enhance the popular Bonnington district with tech-enabled and well-priced housing, continuing the regeneration of the area.

“Our range of one, two and three bedroom apartments have been designed with flexible living at their heart, providing a blueprint for modern day living and attractive rental opportunities for a wide range of demographics. It was fantastic to join our funders and project team to celebrate a significant milestone in our journey to becoming one of the most sought-after locations in Edinburgh to call home.”

Christian Birrell, head of UK investments at Heimstaden, said: “At Heimstaden, we are very happy to extend our growing UK footprint of what we call Friendly Homes to the Scottish capital and are especially pleased to be involved in a low emission project benefiting the net zero trajectory for Edinburgh. Designed and operated with a tenant-centric mindset, the 464 new homes in Bonnington represent a considerable supply relief to the ever so strained Edinburgh rental market from a long-term oriented, responsible institutional owner.”

Gary Holmes, regional managing director for GRAHAM’s Building North region, said: “GRAHAM is proud to be working with PLATFORM_ and Heimstaden to deliver a BTR development which prioritises sustainability and the resident experience. BTR is a rapidly emerging sector which is revolutionising the UK rental market. Our team is pleased to aid the regeneration of the Bonnington area, a community which is becoming a destination of choice for Edinburgh residents.”

GRAHAM is also undertaking the construction of PLATFORM_’s development at Central Quay, Glasgow. The development, which is due to complete in October 2023, will create 498 homes and become one of the tallest buildings in the city at 20 storeys high.