October 23 2023

A seven-year journey to bring a former Leith tram depot to its final destination has concluded with the completion of The Engine Yard.

Places for People and LDN Architects have reimagined the Shrubhill Tramway Workshops and Power Station on Dryden Street as a mixed-tenure community, drawing a brownfield site back into public use.

43 apartments have been fashioned from the industrial site, latterly in use as a bus depot, museum and Fringe venue, the sensitive approach retains the distinctive red brick architecture such as an octagonal chimney, a local landmark.

LDN Architect’s partner in charge Ángel Morales-Aguilar, said: “For us, the main challenge lay in effectively integrating the new buildings within the existing ones. Essential fabric repair work was required to make the buildings structurally sound while ensuring that their unique character was retained.

“Being able to save these two industrial gems – the Big Shed and the Wee Shed – is rewarding enough in itself, but introducing a new dimension to the space through the central courtyard and upper levels has been my favourite part. Until now, no one has been able to experience The Tram Sheds like this.”

Homes embrace open-plan living and have access to an underground car park.  

4 Comments

#1 Posted by James Hepburn on 23 Oct 2023 at 13:36 PM

At last! A transition story nobody is making a fuss about.

#2 Posted by A Gibson on 23 Oct 2023 at 19:31 PM

It's not in Leith. It's in Edinburgh!

#3 Posted by Auntie Nairn on 23 Oct 2023 at 20:27 PM

Nice

#4 Posted by Mark on 24 Oct 2023 at 09:17 AM

Excellent. As poster #1 says, it's taken a long time to achieve but it's great that the buildings at Shrubhill have been rejuvenated sensitively.

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