Plans by Murray Estates to create a £450m village in Western Edinburgh as part of a new ‘Garden District’ is set to be shared with Scottish Ministers as it nears an ‘important first stage’ of the development. If approved the village development could give a huge boost to the regional economy and housing targets – with the scheme set to create 150 permanent jobs with 1,350 new homes being built on the 675 acres of land.

Murray Estates will be sharing further details of this and other developments at the Edinburgh Development Plans Conference in April, alongside other developers including Springfield Properties, Artisan Real Estate, Sanctuary Group Scotland and Interserve.

The village development – set to be named Redheughs Village – has been given the support of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) which owns the adjacent Gogarburn Campus and houses around 6,000 employees, as well as substantial support of city councillors. The support paves the way for Scottish Ministers to now consider the proposal. Murray Estates have already been in contact with agriculture and environmental advisors to make sure the plans meet Scottish Government requirements, and they include detailed analysis on flood prevention, traffic and public transport.

The village will deliver:

  • 1,350 new homes include 330 affordable homes
  • Primary school
  • Nursery schools
  • 40-acre green space park
  • Community hub
  • Shopping centre
  • Sports facilities

David Murray, Managing Director of Murray Capital Group, said: ”The Garden District project is a critically important development for the economic benefit of Scotland’s capital. The city economy desperately needs a good mixture of quality housing that is well connected to Edinburgh’s growing transport infrastructure, including the new Edinburgh Gateway Station. If approved, this development will meet those needs and help unlock growth in a wonderful living environment. We have worked closely with those organisations neighbouring the development, not least Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture and the Royal Bank of Scotland, and we’re delighted to have secured their support.”

The project has been going through the planning process since 2015 and The City of Edinburgh Council gave permission in principle for the development back in 2016. The decision of full council to grant planning permission was made following a recommendation by its Development Management Sub-Committee that planning permission in principle should be granted. If approved it’s likely the scheme would take eight years to build, meaning around 332 construction jobs at the height of building work.

Murray Estates said of the scheme: ”The site offers a unique opportunity to expand the city and create a new urban district. With the close proximity to existing and planned public transport including the new tram line, Edinburgh’s Garden District is a once in a generation opportunity to create a sustainable new community. Our vision has been shaped by our desire to create a wonderful new place for people to live, which draws upon all the best aspects of Edinburgh. It will help meet the Council’s plan for the future growth of the city and much needed future housing supply.”

The project is part of a much wider Garden District project which it is hoped will deliver 3,500 homes in a £1bn 20-year project – linking the edges of Edinburgh together, with the connectivity to make it one of the best served public transport sites in Scotland.

To hear more about the development join us for the Edinburgh Development Plans Conference on the 26th April.