December 6 2018

Drum Property Group have revisited proposals for a mixed-use development at Stead’s Place in Edinburgh by lopping off a single storey from the primary Leith Walk elevation.

The changes have been adopted in response to consultation feedback and bring the new build into line with traditional tenement neighbours, retaining a mansard roof for visual interest and includes 471 student bedrooms, 56 hotel rooms, business units, and 53 residential flats.

As before the Halliday Fraser Munro designed scheme pointing south up Leith Walk, leading pedestrians and cyclists along a revised route to Pilrig Park which now follows ‘a clear desire line separated from the vehicular surface’.

Appraising planners of the modifications the architects wrote: “The revised scheme clarifies the traffic routes through the site giving a higher priority to cyclists and pedestrians while maintaining open space of over 20%.

“The reduction in storey height results in a loss of 52 student rooms but cycle parking numbers have been maintained at those provided in the original scheme with a more diverse range of cycles now being accommodated.

“The Leith Walk elevation now ties in very clearly with the storey heights and façade pattern of Leith Walk. The distinct retail frontage at ground floor with 3 floors of residential accommodation and an inhabited roof is typical to the tenement form.”

Existing gateposts and railings at the main vehicle entrance have also been retained in a nod to the sites past.
 

6 Comments

#1 Posted by Clarinda on 6 Dec 2018 at 10:25 AM

Despite a lot of negative press about this development I never really had an issue with the previous proposal however did recognize


that perhaps it was a tad tall considering it's surroundings.

So taking that storey off to make it the same height as the surrounding tenements is a bonus and does help it sit better in its context.

#2 Posted by Roysters on 6 Dec 2018 at 13:58 PM

and still room for Biomorphis' Bridge! https://www.archdaily.com/247838/leith-walk-green-bridge-biomorphis

#3 Posted by town planner on 6 Dec 2018 at 21:56 PM

Think this is a mistake and the 6 stories was better. We should be aiming for higher density housing, 6 stories in most capital cities is not a big deal...Design not bad tho

Would love to see the Bimorphis Bridge too, not sure how likely it is to happen at the moment sadly ..

#4 Posted by Johny on 7 Dec 2018 at 09:17 AM

It still doesn't comply with LP Policy Des 3 i.e. “Planning permission will be granted for development where it is demonstrated that existing characteristics and features worthy of retention on the site and in the surrounding area, have been identified, incorporated and enhanced through its design.” The demolition of existing shops was always the biggest drawback of this application.
Higher density... can transport/traffic in this area take any higher density? Probably not.

#5 Posted by Gaypawel on 11 Dec 2018 at 23:22 PM

I would rather it taller to drive down rental and owership prices, but thats too much to ask. People are soo conservative in Edinburgh.

#6 Posted by CADMonkey on 12 Dec 2018 at 16:34 PM

#4
Firstly, cars in the city centre are a dying habit. Public transport is the future. Architectural proposals like this help public transport enhancements.
Secondly, I wouldn't worry about following Planning Policy too rigidly. Nothing interestig would ever get built if you did. Besides. replacement commercial units form part of this proposal. This scheme will enliven the whole Foot of the Walk and that is more important than saving a vape shop and a pub where people play banjos.

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