May 15 2025

A bid to repurpose a Victorian Edinburgh brewery for mainstream housing has earned the blessing of planners.

Moves by Artisan Real Estate to convert the former Caledonian Brewery in Shandon to 168 homes have been recommended for approval, ahead of a committee hearing on 21 May.

If rubberstamped by councillors, the project would establish a low-carbon neighbourhood at the industrial site, with around a fifth of the new homes located within existing buildings, including the B-listed brewhouse and maltings, which date from 1892. The remainder will constitute a cluster of new build properties designed to recreate the skyline of the former maltings building, demolished 30 years ago following a fire.

Artisan’s managing director for Scotland, David Westwater said: “Building high-quality, sustainable homes in sensitive and unique urban sites such as the brewery site is a lengthy, complex and expensive process – but we are confident that our comprehensive proposals will set new standards for the homes-led regeneration for this historically important city centre site.

“Artisan is committed to delivering high-quality urban living for everyone in well-connected central areas, bringing interest, investment and life back into the heart of our cities, rather than seeing city centre sites just being delivered for student accommodation and build-to-rent properties.”

Brewing equipment, such as the last remaining direct-fired 'coppers' in the UK, will be upcycled for use by modern brewers. 

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