New 3,600-home village planned for west of Edinburgh

Plans have been unveiled for a new village with 3,600 homes on a swathe of land surrounding Heriot-Watt University in the west of Edinburgh.

Developers said the ‘Riccarton Village’ would be an “exemplar for sustainable development” hosting a community hub, primary school, health centre and 80 hectares of green space.

New 3,600-home village planned for west of Edinburgh

900 of the homes would be classed as affordable housing.

Local amenities such as cafes and restaurants and a new public transport hub linked to the railway station would also be included.

The development is being promoted on behalf of landowners by Wallace Land Investments whose owner Jason Wallace said: “Riccarton Village will realise the city’s economic and housing ambitions and deliver a breath of fresh air in terms of approach and realisation of a truly sustainable vision, based around public transport hubs which complements the existing community and will be within an exemplary parkland setting.

“Our proposals build on Riccarton’s existing infrastructure and transport links, education and research jobs and the area’s ongoing investment linked to the City Deal, while adding value through providing improved services and facilities to existing local communities.

“It will provide the local population and students with a bustling village centre right on their doorstep, with a square and parkland providing the perfect setting for community events – markets, concerts, pop-ups and other outdoor activities.”

The proposal seeks turning Curriehill Station into a transport hub including new bus routes linking Heriot-Watt, an enhanced park and ride, cycle station and electric vehicle charging points.

Mr Wallace said there were also significant economic benefits to the proposal.

He added: “Independent research demonstrates Riccarton Village will deliver more than £1 billion of construction investment over 20 years through the provision of thousands of new homes including a new primary school plus contributing towards Currie High School redevelopment. It is proposed that 1,400 jobs will be supported by the completed development, 750 of those being located in west Edinburgh.”

A spokesperson for Heriot-Watt University added: “We will carry out a thorough review of what has been proposed however, as a university, we welcome economic generation that benefits the wider community around our Edinburgh campus and remain fully engaged in Edinburgh City Council’s planning process.”

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