Edinburgh building news 2024, Lothian architecture images, Scottish architects, Modern Scotland property design

Edinburgh Building News 2024: Architecture

post updated 26 April 2024

26 April 2024

Scottish Housing Crisis News

Sector body Homes for Scotland, which represents organisations delivering the majority of the country’s new homes, has described today’s announcement by the First Minister of a £80 million uplift over the next two years for the Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) as doing little to alleviate the glaring black hole in the AHSP budget following its recent 26 per cent cut and absolutely nothing to increase the overall supply of homes.

See Glasgow Building News 2024 for more.

18 April 2024

Home building sector calls on Scottish Government to pause and review viability of net zero legislation from housing delivery perspective.

Today’s Ministerial Statement from Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero and Energy Màiri McAllan MSP, which confirmed that the Scottish Government can no longer fulfil its commitment of a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 reflects long-standing home building sector concerns on the viability of original timescales in relation to the transition to net zero.

Jane Wood, Chief Executive of representative body Homes for Scotland, said:
“The home building sector has been clear and consistent in its recognition of and support for the need to do more at the earliest practicable opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the construction and operation of new build homes but has long-standing concerns regarding the viability of legislation being brought forward to achieve this and lack of a clear and co-ordinated delivery route map.

“With four Local Authorities already declaring housing emergencies, an accumulated shortfall of over 100,000 homes since 2008 and recent research showing that over a quarter of households are facing some form of housing need, it is imperative that all future regulation and policy is considered in this context.

“Given the current economic conditions and regulatory challenges our home builder members who operate across all tenures face, this transition, much like the overarching ambition to reduce emissions by 75% by 2030, is unachievable under current timescales.

“We therefore encourage the Scottish Government to pause and review any further regulation, such as their commitment to introduce a Passivhaus Equivalent Standard for new homes from 2025. and to work with us and other stakeholders to prepare a clear road map which would enable the sector to deliver low-carbon homes at scale and pace, ensuring that Scotland has the homes it requires to meet the needs of its people.”

Edinburgh Building News 2024 for Spring

17 April 2024

Scotland’s heritage sector skills gap roadmap

A five-year plan has been launched to help tackle Scotland’s heritage skills gaps. The skills strategy is a collaborative framework to create collective solutions that support the future of our historic environment and the communities across Scotland that rely on it:

Full details at Glasgow Building News 2024

9 April 2024

Phase one at Royal Meadows sees 22 homes come to market

The first homes have been released at one of Scotland’s most high-profile developments, that is transforming Edinburgh’s former Royal Hospital for Sick Children into a range of luxury homes:

Royal Meadows Edinburgh luxury property

4 April 2024

Scottish land art recognised as nationally important

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has today added Crawick Multiverse to the inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes:

Crawick Multiverse land art installation, Scotland

28 March 2024

Simplifying the planning process

Updating permitted development rights in response to cost and climate challenges.

New measures to simplify the planning process for zero and low carbon technologies will help homeowners and businesses save money and reduce their emissions:

– check out the full story at Scottish Architecture News

27 March 2024

The Pevsner Architectural Guide to Lothian

With Professor Aonghus MacKechnie.

Thursday 11 April, 7.30pm

This is the first revision of Colin McWilliam’s pioneer volume in the Buildings of Scotland series, fully resurveyed and based on extensive new research.

Professor Aonghus MacKechnie, who revised the entry on Haddington, will talk about the book, and take questions from the audience.

Admission is free.

See Edinburgh Architecture Events for details.

26 March 2024

Scottish Government Can No Longer Ignore Housing Crisis

Scotland’s population and home building sector deserve better than same old responses week after fourth local authority declares housing emergency

New statistics published today reflect Scotland’s dire housing situation, with both completions and starts across all sectors falling significantly by 11 per cent and 24% respectively in the year end to December 2023.

– see Scottish Architecture News

3 March 2024
RSA Diploma Talk by Paul Stallan RSA (Elect)

In this inaugural talk of our new Diploma series, the acclaimed director of Stallan-Brand architects will guide us through his gallery and studio, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at his creative process. The highlight of the evening will be an in-depth discussion with RSA’s Head of Collections, Sandy Wood, which will focus on Stallan’s proposed diploma deposit.

Thursday 21 March, 6.30 – 8pm

Oxford House, 80 Nicholson St, Glasgow

Tickets £15

2 March 2024
Scottish Buildings – RAAC Found

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) has been found in about 500 homes in the Balnagask area of Torry, including 364 council properties.

Hundreds of people were alerted to the problem on Thursday, reports the BBC.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said it was now beyond its lifespan and may “collapse with little or no notice”.

BBC Scotland News understands Aberdeen City Council hopes the majority of council tenants will be rehomed by the end of the summer.

But homeowners fear they will have to leave their homes or spend thousands on surveying and repairs.

RAAC found in Balnagask, Aberdeen

27 February 2024
Housing crisis set to deepen even further as Scottish Government Budget passed

Future supply of homes coming forward across all tenures threatened as cuts to housing and planning budgets passed

Today’s passing of the Scottish Budget 2024 – 2025 at Holyrood will perpetuate housing inequality across the country and limit the number of new homes coming forward across all tenures, says sector body Homes for Scotland (HFS).

With a cut of 27.7% to the Housing and Building Standards Budget and further cuts of 26% and 43% to the Affordable Housing Supply Programme and Planning Budget respectively confirmed, HFS Director of Policy Fionna Kell said:

“Whilst we welcome the Deputy First Minister’s commitment that housing will be treated with priority should further funds become available as a result of announcements by the Chancellor next week, the Budget passed today will only serve to deepen the housing inequality being felt across the country and risks losing the significant socio-economic benefits that come through increased home building across all tenures.

“The cuts come at a time when multiple Local Authorities have declared housing emergencies and recent independent research has shown that there are 693,000 Scottish households facing at least one form of housing need.

“Instead of cutting housing budgets, now is the time to maximise the wide-ranging socio-economic benefits offered by ensuring Scotland has the homes it needs to meet the needs of its people.”

26 February 2024
Housing And Planning Budget Cuts Opposed

Worst possible decision at worst possible time

26th of February 2024 – An open letter in today’s Daily Record is urging the First Minister to think again about the cuts being proposed to the 2024-25 budgets for housing and planning.

The call comes the day before the Scottish Parliament votes on the draft Scottish Budget for the year ahead and follows the findings of independent research showing that 693,000 Scottish households are facing some form of housing need.

See Glasgow Building News 2024 for the details.

21 February 2024

Scottish Historic Buildings Trust appoints new Director

21st February 2024 – Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, the charity dedicated to regenerating significant historic buildings across Scotland, has appointed Dr Samuel Gallacher as Director.

photo courtesy of SHBT

Scottish Historic Buildings Trust plays a unique role in preserving and promoting the nation’s heritage and in its 40-year history has so far restored over 30 buildings and raised more than £30 million. SHBT’s wide portfolio of restored buildings include Riddle’s Court in Edinburgh, Liberton Bank House in Edinburgh, Strathleven House in Dunbartonshire, Law’s Close in Kirkcaldy, and most recently, Port House in Jedburgh.

Sam joins the Trust from his role as Keeper of The Burrell Collection in Glasgow, the category A-listed modernist museum building and home to the world-famous collection of fine and decorative arts amassed by shipping merchant Sir William Burrell which was named Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2023 following a major refurbishment project. Formerly Assistant Director of the Medici Archive Project in Florence, Italy, more recently he worked for the National Trust for Scotland in Glasgow, Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders managing a broad range of historic buildings, capital projects, natural and designed landscapes, and art collections.

Passionate about Scotland’s architectural heritage, he has written and lectured on the subject, as well as consulted for Glasgow City Heritage Trust on buildings at risk, is a trustee of the Provan Hall Community Management Trust in Easterhouse and is a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. He has recently been appointed a judge for the European Art Museum of the Year awards, with a special interest in the use and refurbishment of historic buildings as museums.

Maggie Wright, chair of Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, said “We are delighted to welcome Sam to the Trust and look forward to working with him to bring buildings in decline back to life for the benefit of communities across Scotland. Under his leadership, our very talented team will continue work on our current projects at the Tron on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and at Leith Custom House which we are operating as an arts hub while we develop restoration plans. This is an exciting appointment for the Trust that will shape the next phase of our development as a key player in Scotland’s heritage community.”

Sam Gallacher said “Scotland should be rightly proud of its incredible collection of built heritage ranging across our towns and cities, our countryside and coastlines. These historic buildings are a tangible connection to our past, but I believe they also have an important role to play in our future. As we seek ways to foster civic identity, community access to the arts and heritage, more sustainable building practices, regenerated high streets, and dare I say it, nourish more broadly an appreciation of why beautiful historic architecture matters still today, I am excited at the potential of Scottish Historic Buildings Trust to make a lasting contribution across the country. Building on the Trust’s outstanding track record for delivering significant restoration projects, its championing of the ever-relevant ideas of Patrick Geddes and sharing widely its knowledge and expertise amounts to a huge responsibility, but one which I am honoured to take on as Director.”

He takes over the role from Una Richards who stepped down as Chief Executive in 2023.

For further information, please contact Fiona Sim or log onto www.shbt.org.uk

Scottish Historic Buildings Trust is a Charity and Building Preservation Trust with over 40 years’ experience saving derelict and redundant buildings throughout the whole of Scotland. Everyone has driven or walked past a forlorn and unloved historic building at some time. You may have wondered why it isn’t being used or why doesn’t someone do something with it? The answer is often complex and the solutions equally so. It takes a special group of people to identify a way forward and restore these buildings to the benefit of the community. SHBT is a dynamic and innovative charity that does just that. (www.shbt.org.uk)

14 February 2024

Scottish Design Awards 2024 Jury

The Scottish Design Awards 2024 are pleased to present our twin judging panels for our 2024 awards, a handpicked team drawn from across the country with experience ranging from practice to academia and local government.

Read more at: Scottish Design Awards 2024

14 February 2024

Woeful Scottish Planning Statistics

Woeful planning statistics are unacceptable with average processing times for major housing developments now taking over a year on average.

Critical government action required against backdrop of Local Authority housing emergencies and research showing 693,000 Scottish households in some form of housing need.

Read more at: Scottish Architecture News

12 January 2024
Major Planning Application Submitted for New £2 Billion Edinburgh Neighbourhood

image courtesy of Drum Property Group
One the most significant and sustainable urban expansions of Edinburgh in a generation is a step closer to reality following the submission of a major planning application to the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC). West Town Edinburgh Limited, the development consortium headed by Drum Property Group which owns more than 200-acres of prime development land to the west of Edinburgh, has unveiled ambitious proposals for West Town, a new homes-led ‘twenty-minute’ neighbourhood set to transform Scotland’s capital:
West Town Edinburgh homes planning application

5 January 2024
Homes for Scotland response to latest Halifax House Price Index
Responding to the Halifax December House Price Index which was published today and shows Scottish growth of 2.6% in 2023 compared to 1.7% for the UK overall, Jane Wood, Chief Executive of sector body Homes for Scotland, said:

“Today’s report shows Scotland as the second strongest nation or region in the UK with 2.6% growth in the price of the average home.

“The new year has started with major lenders reducing rates and Moneyfacts reporting average two and five year fixes at their lowest levels in nearly seven months. Together with Scotland’s better affordability, this should prove a confidence boost for buyers, particularly in the context of house price growth, as Halifax says, likely being driven by lack of supply.”

2 January 2024
Scottish Architect News

The Glasgow School of Art Fire by Scottish architect Alan Dunlop has been shortlisted in the hand-drawn category of the Sir John Soane Museum GSA Architecture Drawing Prize – see Alan Dunlop

More contemporary Edinburgh Building News 2024 online soon

Some More Edinburgh Building News from December 2023 online soon for reference:

22 December 2023
Artisan Real Estate Purchases Edinburgh’s Caledonian Brewery

image courtesy of Artisan Real Estate
Regeneration specialist Artisan Real Estate has agreed terms with Heineken UK to purchase the 1.9-acre Caledonian Brewery in Shandon. Artisan has submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to develop the historic site into a sustainable, low-carbon residential development, with plans to deliver around 170 new homes. A major public consultation programme seeking feedback on the proposals for the site will start in February 2024:
Caledonian Brewery Edinburgh homes

19 December 2023
Builders Express Shock At Level Of Budget Cuts To Housing And Planning

Concern policies acting as a deterrent to investment

With the Scottish Government today announcing a 43 per cent funding cut for planning and a 33 per cent drop in the More Homes budget, Chief Executive of home building sector body Homes for Scotland Jane Wood said:

“We were prepared for a tough budget but, in the context of three local authorities having declared housing emergencies this year, the level of cuts we have seen across both the Affordable Housing Supply Programme and the planning system this afternoon is quite shocking.
“Coming on the back of last week’s statistics showing that the chronic undersupply of housing is intensifying, this not only threatens Scotland’s social wellbeing by perpetuating housing inequality but also its economic success and the transition to net zero.

“As we continue to highlight, private and affordable housing delivery are interconnected. With 30 per cent of affordable housing generated by the private sector, the more homes for sale that can be built, the more affordable homes will be available. Given the planning system is already on its knees, a cut of the magnitude announced today will serve only to increase delay and cost and do nothing to encourage crucial private sector investment.

“Indeed, we have spent a large part of this year flagging concerns to the Scottish Government that its policies are acting as a deterrent to investment. There is clear evidence now on the impact that the increasingly divergent policies are having on the attractiveness of Scotland as a place to invest in, these budget implications do nothing to mitigate that nor to ensure the housing needs of Scotland’s people are met.”

14 December 2023
London Road student accommodation at Jock’s Lodge
Design: Stallan-Brand

property image courtesy of Stallan-Brand architects practice
London Road Edinburgh student accommodation
Alumno Group has been granted planning permission for the construction of high-quality purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) on London Road in Edinburgh in the Jock’s Lodge area of the city following a successful appeal. The development will help meet increasing demand from a growing student population and take pressure off local housing, while rejuvenating the area economically.

13 December 2023
RIBA statement on COP28 outcomes

RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said:
“Today’s historic agreement to deliver a new era of climate action is monumental. It’s the first time that a COP outcome has acknowledged the need to move away from fossil fuels – and this is a truly welcome and positive shift.”

Read more on the e-architect.com website.

13 December 2023
Heat Transition in Scotland
SNIPEF responds to the Scottish Government’s publication of ‘Starting a National Conversation on the Heat Transition in Scotland’. Industry expertise vital in shaping Scotland’s heat transition policy, says SNIPEF Chief Executive – take a look at the Glasgow Building News 2023 for the details.

12 December 2023
Scotland’s Housing Crisis Intensifying
New statistics show Scotland’s housing crisis intensifying with decreases across both the number of new homes of all tenures being started and completed – see the Glasgow Building News page for the details.

7 December 2023
MSIP Building News
Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) is an ambitious joint venture between Scottish Enterprise, Dundee City Council and Michelin, created in response to the closure of Michelin’s Dundee tyre factory in 2020. It aims to drive innovation in the Scottish economy and address the global climate emergency:
Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc Dundee

4 December 2023
Edinburgh College of Art Buildings Refurbishment

image © Hawkins Brown
Edinburgh College of Art Refurbishment

4 December 2023
New Head Of Planning At Homes For Scotland

Home building sector representative body Homes for Scotland (HFS) has announced the appointment of Kevin Murphy as its new Head of Planning.

With a career spanning more than twenty years, Kevin joins from Persimmon Homes where he was Planning Manager, leading on planning applications, undertaking pre-application discussions and consultations, and making representations on matters of local and national planning policy.

His experience at the coalface of planning for residential development will be welcomed by HFS members who are facing considerable challenges following the transition to the new National Planning Framework 4. A key priority for Kevin will be promoting research which has been commissioned by HFS to help better quantify the level of housing need that exists across the country beyond current narrow measures.

Kevin said:

“The planning system is fundamental to Scotland’s social wellbeing and economic success, ensuring the country has the range and choice of homes that all those who live here require. This must, of course, be balanced with the climate emergency and environment, and I am looking forward to working both with members and other stakeholders to achieve this.”

HFS Chief Executive Jane Wood said:

“I am delighted to welcome Kevin to our team. His background and acute understanding of the issues our members are dealing with on a daily basis enables him to talk with real insight and authenticity – essential skills as we seek to increase understanding of the pressures facing home builders and make the case for better resourcing for our colleagues working in local authorities.”

4 December 2023
Homes For Scotland Submits Ideas On Planning System Ambitions

Responds to call from the new Planning Improvement Champion

Homes for Scotland (HFS), the sector body representing the country’s home builders, has responded to the call for ideas on planning system ambitions requested by the new Planning Improvement Champion Craig McLaren.

With the planning system having a major impact on the delivery of much needed new homes of all tenures but under considerable strain as a result of resourcing issues and the additional burdens placed on it by National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), HFS has welcomed the opportunity to address the questions posed which are:

– What are the outcomes we need the planning system to deliver to have an impact?
– What makes a high-performing planning authority?
– How can we measure this?

See Glasgow Building News 2023 for the full news item.

22 November 2023

Lost opportunity says home building body as Scottish Parliament votes down housing emergency call

Scotland’s people deserve better

With today’s Labour’s motion that Scotland is experiencing a housing emergency defeated by a Scottish Government amendment which instead “recognises significant pressures with homelessness and temporary accommodation”, Homes for Scotland Chief Executive Jane Wood said:

“In the context of our capital city having recently followed Argyll & Bute in declaring a housing emergency and a shortfall of +114,000 new homes having accumulated across Scotland since 2008, it has never been more important to consider how we meet the country’s housing needs.

“We must stop going round in circles and find transformational solutions. Today’s debate underscored the importance of this and there were many passionate points made, but the agreed amendment is, to say the least, underwhelming. Given the scale of the problem facing our rural and urban communities, it’s a missed opportunity. Scotland’s people deserve better.”

More contemporary Edinburgh Building News 2024 online soon

Edinburgh Building News 2023

Edinburgh Building News 2022

Edinburgh Architecture News 2021 – selection below:

More Edinburgh Building News 2023 online soon

Location: Edinburgh, Midlothian, southeast Scotland, UK