Plans Submitted for Student Development in Leith

Leading property and development company S Harrison has submitted a planning application for a residential-focused project worth around £100 million at Ocean Point 2 in Leith. This development is part of the ongoing regeneration of the Waterfront area and aims to address the demand for student accommodation in Edinburgh.

The planning services for this project were provided by Turley, while CDA served as the architect for the development.

Situated adjacent to Ocean Point 1, this project will involve the transformation of a brownfield site into two buildings that will include a combination of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) as well as build-to-rent (BTR) homes.

Up to 404 PBSA beds could be provided by the development, which will be made up of both studio and cluster accommodation.

In recent years, Edinburgh has experienced a significant increase in full-time student numbers, with a growth rate of 31.0% between 2014 and 2021 according to the latest HESA data.

The development plans also include commercial, co-working, and amenity spaces along Ocean Drive.

Furthermore, this new development is expected to have a positive economic impact on the local community, generating an estimated £5.3 million in annual spending by residents and visitors. Additionally, approximately 325 jobs will be created during the construction of the entire project.

Ocean Point 2 is located near Ocean Terminal, which is scheduled for a £100 million transformation, including a mixed-use development with residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality components.

A spokesperson for S Harrison commented: "Our proposed development, if approved, will bring much-needed homes and student accommodation to an area which is undergoing a rapid transformation, delivering a truly mixed community. Regenerating a current brownfield site, this development boasts excellent transport links, especially with the new tram line, and will deliver a significant investment into the local community".