November 9 2023

S Harrison Developments, in partnership with Sight Scotland, has set out plans to replace the charity's former Edinburgh HQ on Gillespie Crescent with student flats.

Jmarchitects have developed detailed proposals for the site, which requires the demolition of an unlisted single storey stone structure within the Marchmont, Meadows and Bruntsfield Conservation Area. Salvaged stonework from this structure will be reused as the base for the main frontage and a separate substation.

An L-plan block faced in blonde ashlar stone to the primary elevations has been chosen to house 145 beds, with a set back bronze aluminium upper floor to respect the eaves line of tenements opposite.

In a planning statement the architects wrote: "We do not wish to compete with the architecture of Gillespie Crescent but develop a considered approach which is contextually appropriate. Stonework is utilised on the frontage to embed the building into the landscaped setting and re-enforce its importance as a residence.

"The gable to the West of the site has been assessed against the context of the area and provides a dialogue with the existing prominent gables that bound this junction. The subtle shifting of planes sets up a series of setbacks that address the landscaped edge whilst also respecting the view looking east along Gillespie Crescent towards the Barclay Viewforth Church."

Retaining only existing boundary walls and gate posts the work will establish an active frontage to Gillespie Crescent behind a newly established pocket park.

Visualisations provided courtesy of Dalgety Design

8 Comments

#1 Posted by Robert on 9 Nov 2023 at 13:17 PM

What the Bruntsfield/ Tollcross area really needs - yet another development of student flats!!! How about some homes for people to live in to replace some of the many flats now operating as short-term holiday let’s?

#2 Posted by Jolly good on 9 Nov 2023 at 14:23 PM

Looks nice- good job JM!

#3 Posted by KLD on 9 Nov 2023 at 14:52 PM

Might be improved by breaking up the frontage a bit, like the student flats on Calton Road.

#4 Posted by Crescent by committee on 9 Nov 2023 at 16:24 PM

It's a real shame that the design is afraid to either follow the curve of the crescent or maintain the open courtyard feel of the existing building line. The pithy attempt at a pocket park to the front of the block - sic smoking area, screaming to be VE-ed at the first sight of cost pressure - benefits nothing from being wider at the junction, and in fact looks like it will deaden the street as the building steps away from the pavement in the same manner as the existing car park.

Material palette is a cut above what most are willing to pay for these days and while the detailing is a little more Georgian than the adjacent tenements, the block does sit well with the surrounding context. On balance, I'd say well done JM, it's not perfect but it's certainly good.

#5 Posted by handofkwll on 9 Nov 2023 at 22:32 PM

Another boring building full of expensive student accommodation, just what South Edinburgh doesn't need.

Regarding the design; it ignores the curve of the street and presents a flat and dull frontage that neither fits in with Edinburgh's heritage or adds anything new.

#6 Posted by TheFakeArchitect on 10 Nov 2023 at 10:39 AM

Hmmm.., I'm probably going to echo what's already been said above. This site has been in the pipeline for as long as I can remember and I guess should come as no surprise to see yet more student housing being proposed. I like the first image and also the materials proposed however the main street elevation is too bland and would benefit from some articulation.

#7 Posted by handofkwll on 10 Nov 2023 at 11:08 AM

Another boring building full of expensive student accommodation, just what South Edinburgh doesn't need.

Regarding the design; it ignores the curve of the street and presents a flat and dull frontage that neither fits in with Edinburgh's heritage or adds anything new.

#8 Posted by Christoph on 20 Nov 2023 at 23:32 PM

A street which has been a open airy haven for nature, families and the elderly in sheltered housing for many years. Now it is being filled with an unimaginative but profitable giant lego brick. Light spillage and overcrowding in a conservation area which is meant to be protected. Sickening! Don't let these plans distract from the historical building on the site which could be repurposed by the council in a heartbeat. The planning community is corrupt and greedy, and is turning a blind eye to the big picture.

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