Our Bonnington Road Lane project has reached a key milestone and a planning application been submitted to the City of Edinburgh Council.

The proposed Bonnington Road lane is a BTR (Build-to-Rent) residential development located in the Bonnington area of Edinburgh. Located at the site of the derelict John Lewis depot/warehouse in the city, the proposals seek to introduce a high-quality BTR scheme into the heart of Edinburgh. The proposals are for 527 apartments in a mix of studios, one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom are proposed to be provided; with areas of communal amenity such as working from home space, a residents lounge, concierge and reception, a bike club shop and café, a variety of external communal spaces at ground level, as well as beautifully landscaped roof terraces across the development. The proposals are split into three separate buildings which vary from four to seven storeys.

The site occupies 2.22 hectares and extends across the former John Lewis depot site and includes the neighbouring sites of the Bonnington Centre and 2-4 Bonnington Road Lane. The acquisition of the site to Bonnington Road allows the development of a commercial unit/s to Bonnington Road creating active frontage. The site stretches from Bonnington Road to the edge of the Water of Leith.

We have been delighted to work on the proposals closely with our client Platform_ who are developers, operators, and asset managers of purpose-built residential communities of Build-to-Rent (BTR) Tenure accommodation throughout the United Kingdom.

Matt Willock, Development Director at PLATFORM_ said: “We’re thrilled to submit this application for our BTR scheme in Edinburgh. Bonnington Road Lane is an ideal location to spearhead PLATFORM_’s vision in Edinburgh. Not only will we develop the site, but we will operate the building. Our residents may rent an apartment but will also have an abundance of common amenities at their disposal, including a gym, communal workspaces, a bike club, and rooftop gardens.

These proposals not only serve to redevelop a vital location, but help to tackle Edinburgh’s crisis in realistic housing, especially in Edinburgh city centre. BTR is a new, upward trend that offers high-quality rented accommodation at competitive prices for a wide-ranging demographic. Across the UK, nearly 60 per cent of our residents earn less than £30,000 a year.

“We’ve consulted widely and diligently with stakeholders in Edinburgh and the public in Leith to ensure they’ve had an opportunity to input their views about the proposals. The plans represent a collaborative discussion about how best to make this site work.”