One of the largest housing developments in Edinburgh city centre for more than a decade is expected to get the go-ahead on one of the few remaining brownfield sites.
Planners are recommending approval of a huge scheme on the site of former Royal Bank of Scotland offices in the New Town. The revised plan now includes 315 homes (108 affordable) and 591 student flats.
RBS set out proposals in 2016 but three years later Daily Business revealed that it had sold the site to Orion Capital Managers in a £36m deal. A scheme approved in 2021 was also dropped because of changing circumstances.
Under the new plan the student accommodation element will be operated by Fusion Students whose partnership with Orion Capital has been essential to deliver viable housing-based proposals. About 30% of the Dundas Stret site will be retained as open space.
Ross McNulty, the development director at Ediston Real Estate, which is managing the development process, said: “It’s nearly ten years since the Royal Bank of Scotland initially proposed to develop the site, and we’re aiming to deliver something of which we, the community and the city can be proud.
“This is one of the last major brownfield sites in the city and we’re determined to make sure that the proposals do no less than make this high-quality neighbourhood one of the best places in Scotland to live in and visit.
“This is the largest housing development in the city centre for more than a decade and can help reverse the decline in housing delivery in recent years to deliver more homes, more quickly. These proposals will deliver a more inclusive, and a more vibrant and thriving neighbourhood that strengthens the heart of the city.”
The developers say the student housing proposals will help to free up some of the homes in multiple occupation (HMO) flats currently providing accommodation for 27,000 students, according to Edinburgh University’s latest report on student housing needs.
Julian Evans, development director of Fusion, said: “Fusion is keen to help improve and expand the city’s offer to local and international students.
“New Town Quarter is a strategic site that we’re convinced will attract students away from staying in HMOs and will help enhance the city’s reputation as a place to study and to live in.”
The plan is for work on the residential blocks to begin in January for completion in June 2028. The affordable housing will follow in September 2026 and be complete in September 2028. The PBSA will start in June 2027, and complete in August 2029. The final phase of residential unites will commence in January 2028 and complete in June 2030.
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