Northcare Scotland and Unum Partnership have unveiled initial plans for a mixed-use development that includes a 60-bed care home, five assisted living apartments and ground-floor commercial units facing onto St John’s Road.

Located within the Corstorphine Conservation Area, the 0.56-hectare brownfield site was previously occupied by retail units. The site has recently been cleared and currently lies vacant.

Targetted to address an identified demand for care beds in the local area, Northcare said the complex will exceed expectations by providing high-quality care accommodation. 

In a consultation statement, Northcare wrote: “One floor (a third of the building) will be devoted to dementia care, and the care home will also provide residents’ entertainment spaces including private dining facilities, cinema, activity rooms, beauty salon, cafe/brasserie and gallery. These allow the residents to enjoy a “day out” without the need to leave the home. The cafe/brasserie and beauty salon will also be accessible to the public, and in addition to this two commercial units will be available for rent.

“A residents’ amenity space and activity room will be located on the top floor of the care home. Benefiting from extensive glazing and an external terrace, this will take advantage of the views over Edinburgh towards the Pentland Hills and beyond.

“The proposed development is set within an attractive landscape, enhancing the local area, and includes the creation of a secure landscaped garden to the rear of the property.

“The site is directly accessible to a range of services, facilities and amenities, and is served by direct access to the public road network with good pedestrian, cycle and public transport access for both visitors and staff. Ten car parking spaces are proposed, including two universally accessible and two electric vehicle charge points (EVCP). Secure and covered cycle stands, encouraging sustainable modes of travel, will also be provided.”

A site start is estimated by the spring of 2025.