Plans revealed for 20-minute neighbourhood in Edinburgh

An illustration of the proposed West Town 20-minute neighbourhood in Edinburgh. Image: Drum Property Group

The consortium West Town Edinburgh has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the city’s council on the project, outlining the collaborative measures required to deliver a sustainable development at its 83-hectare site.

West Town Edinburgh said the €2.3 billion project presents an opportunity to address the housing needs of the nation’s capital while providing a substantial, sustainable urban expansion for the city.

The City of Edinburgh Council’s City Plan 2030 identifies the area as having the potential to become a high-density city extension, accommodating 7,000 homes and with the necessary commercial and community facilities for a 20-minute neighbourhood.

Connected infrastructure

The Edinburgh Tram route traverses the site, and the construction of a new station is proposed, to enhance access to public transport throughout the development.

An illustration of the location of the West Town Edinburgh neighbourhood. Image: Drum Property Group

Construction of the site is expected to start next year, pending the completion of the delivery strategy outlined in the joint Memorandum of Understanding and compliance with all relevant Council policies and planning consents.

The first phase of homes and community amenities could be ready for occupancy as early as 2026.

The announcement was made by Cammy Day, leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, and Graeme Bone, Group Managing Director of Drum Property Group, the developers of West Town, at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum in Leeds.

Cammy Day said, “We are leading the way as a city in harnessing new technologies to create greener and fairer developments, building low and zero-carbon homes that are energy-efficient and cost-effective.

“I’m looking forward to working with West Town Edinburgh to build upon our net-zero ambitions.”

Graeme Bone said, “The expansive space and superb location of the site allow for a natural extension of the city, offering 7,000 mixed-tenure homes and new employment opportunities in a new 20-minute neighbourhood.”