Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 12, The Scottish government has announced a £42m funding package to support the first phase of the Granton Waterfront development on the Firth of Forth coast near Edinburgh. The long-awaited project, nearly eight years in the making, aims to transform 140 hectares of former industrial land at Granton into a mixed-use community. Designed by Collective Architecture, the scheme represents a key part of Scotland’s urban regeneration strategy.

Cruden is set to start work on the first phase early next year

The City of Edinburgh Council, which purchased the former gasworks site from the National Grid in 2018, is overseeing the redevelopment. Cruden Homes has been appointed to deliver the first phase, which will include 847 net-zero homes, of which 387 will be affordable. The phase will also feature a new primary school and commercial space for 14 businesses. Construction is scheduled to begin early next year, marking a significant step in the transformation of the area.

The Granton Waterfront project is part of a broader £1.3bn regeneration programme, recognized as Scotland’s largest brownfield redevelopment. Once fully completed, the initiative is expected to provide around 3,500 new homes and create the country’s largest coastal park. The development also includes infrastructure for community facilities, sustainable transport, and green energy solutions to support net-zero goals.

According to the funding agreement, the Scottish government will provide up to £2.1m annually over a 20-year period to the City of Edinburgh Council. This financial commitment is intended to ensure the long-term success of the project and encourage sustainable urban growth in the capital region.

The Granton Waterfront regeneration aligns with national objectives to revitalize former industrial zones and expand affordable housing supply while supporting environmental targets. The project is anticipated to bring economic, social, and environmental benefits, creating a modern coastal district that combines residential, educational, and commercial spaces with sustainable design.

Work on the first phase will set the foundation for the broader vision of reconnecting the city with its waterfront through modern infrastructure, community amenities, and enhanced green spaces. The initiative highlights continued investment in sustainable urban development and reflects a collaborative approach between government, local authorities, and the private sector.

Upon completion, the Granton Waterfront will become a model for low-carbon living and coastal regeneration, contributing to Scotland’s long-term housing and sustainability objectives.