Spring 2022
Osborne and Moda Living to develop 15.5-acre Edinburgh site.
A joint venture between the two signals both organisations’ commitment to the capital and will deliver a new urban quarter close to transport links at the rail and tram interchange in an area historically home to the Saica packaging factory.
The development will include a “substantial affordable housing provision” alongside places to work, the public realm and a new transport hub.
There is potential for more than 1,000 homes of all tenures and types with studios, one-bedroom apartments and larger townhouses.
There will be many green spaces and commercial opportunities in the new area. Pre-application discussions, community engagement, and consultations will begin within the coming months. The team will submit outline planning to the City of Edinburgh Council within 12 months. The development aligns with the City Plan 2030, transforming the west of the city into a “high-density mixed-use extension to the city with a focus on placemaking, sustainability, connectivity and biodiversity”.
Will Hean, Development Director at Osborne+Co, said: “The acquisition of the Saica site is an exciting and evolutionary addition to our portfolio, reinforcing our commitment, strategy and long-term vision in Scotland. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Moda to realise a truly transformational opportunity.
“As a priority, we will collaborate with all our vital stakeholders to shape and deliver on a vision to create a neighbourhood that enriches the existing, thriving community designed around accessible and sustainable housing options. We always strive to be good neighbours and hope to bring significant benefits to the community, whether that’s boosting the local economy through employment opportunities, growing the available housing supply or giving back to the communities we work in.”
Oscar Brooks, Director at Moda Living, said: “This is a hugely important site for Moda. Working with Osborne, we are excited to deliver a fantastic next-generation neighbourhood that will form the beating heart of west Edinburgh, providing much-needed new homes, an outstanding new public realm, and intended connectivity with the transport interchange at Edinburgh Gateway.
“As with all Moda neighbourhoods, this site will be designed, built, and operated around ESG, targeting net zero operations, outstanding resident service and experience, health and well-being and using the latest innovation and digital infrastructure to deliver an unparalleled customer experience. We have solid confidence in the Scottish market, and as a family company with a long-term view, it is crucial we continue to invest, develop, and operate at scale whilst remaining a trusted partner of the city.”
This is the third joint venture between the companies that have already entered deals relating to Lancefield Quay in Glasgow and Belfast Waterside.
Saica will be Moda’s second major development site in Edinburgh and fourth in Scotland, making it the country’s largest build-to-rent developer operator. Last month, Moda’s 500-home urban village, The McEwan, welcomed its first residents and was named Build-to-Rent Development of the Year at the Scottish Property Awards.
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