Powderhall regeneration well underway

15 七月 2021

Work on the former Powderhall Waste Transfer Station in Edinburgh is well underway, transforming the disused space into a mixed-use commercial, residential and educational development with associated green spaces.

Appointed by the City of Edinburgh Council, Currie & Brown is providing project management, quantity surveying and principal designer services on the transformation of the former stable block. Separately, Currie & Brown is providing project management and employer’s agent services on the construction of a ground-breaking intergenerational facility comprising early learning and childcare services and older persons’ independent-living homes on the Powderhall site.

Enabling works on Powderhall Stables are complete. The project is moving into the main contracting phase to deliver individual studios and co-working spaces for microbusinesses, two flexible function areas and a new plaza in the former stable yard. Refurbishment of the 1890s heritage building has been made possible by support from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund along with Miller Homes’ Bonnington Micro Business Fund. The refurbished stable block is on track to open in early 2022.

The first-of-its-kind intergenerational facility, designed by Collective Architecture, has already been nominated for a Scottish Design Award in the category ‘Architecture: future building or facility’. Designed to Passivhaus standards, the building will provide high-quality, functional spaces while consuming minimal energy. Proposed renewable technologies and sustainability options are being considered across the site, and the layout of the building will allow for informal meetings between the nursery children and elderly residents, giving both a positive experience of interacting with each other.

The early learning and childcare centre, managed by Broughton Primary School, gives the existing nursery its own dedicated location, creating more childcare spaces for the local community and expansion of the school. The 27 independent-living homes will allow elderly residents to remain independent in their homes and neighbourhood for longer, while providing the dedicated space to enhance their lives and wellbeing.

Tom Arthur MSP, the Scottish government’s minister for public finance, planning and community wealth, commented: “This great project will restore the previously abandoned category B-listed former stable block, transform it into a modern work and events space and provide the local community with new places to work, learn and socialise.”

Robert Dunlop, director in Currie & Brown’s Edinburgh office, said: “We are very happy to support the City of Edinburgh Council on the regeneration of the Powderhall site, transforming an area of land that has been unused for some time into specialist facilities to support the needs of local children and the more mature population alike.”

Councillor Mandy Watt, housing, homelessness and fair work vice convener, added: “The Powderhall stables block is a cornerstone for the regeneration of the wider site and has been much talked about for some time – so it’s great to hear that work is well underway. This first phase is key, and it demonstrates our intention to support the local community’s ambitions for the development of this site.

“It’s fantastic that this historic building is being restored to its former glory and will provide affordable workspace, supporting small businesses and jobs, alongside creating a flexible space for the community to use. Phase two will see this site delivering new affordable homes and multi-generational facilities that will benefit the whole community.”