BR Consultants has revealed plans for a six-storey purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Edinburgh, Scotland.
In October 2024, a pre-application notice revealed proposals to demolish two industrial units on Bangor Road and replace them with a block of student accommodation and a commercial unit at ground floor level.
Now, detailed plans, from Flow Design Architects, for a new six-storey block of student flats on a quiet Edinburgh street have been submitted. Both industrial warehouses at 52-54 and 56-58 would be bulldozed if the plans are approved, with the development comprising a mix of studios and cluster flats and a total of 172 beds.
Creation of a mixed-use development re-providing employment floorspace to meet modern demand, and managed PBSA, with a policy-compliant mix of studios and cluster flats, that will seek to ease the current student housing shortage.
“The proposed development directly addresses the student homelessness crisis in the city by offering purpose-built accommodation for students, thus easing the demand on privately rented residential properties.
“This document outlines the evolution of the scheme and how it has responded to the site’s context, with placemaking at the heart of the
proposal.“The building massing has been thoughtfully designed, evolving into a form that mirrors the movement, flow, and dynamic character of the site’s history, location and geometry.
“Placemaking is central to our design, providing clear opportunities to enhance the urban fabric around the site’s perimeter. Given its prominent location overlooking the Water of Leith, the ecology, biodiversity, and landscape design of the outdoor spaces are critical.”
Design & Access Statement, Flow Architects
The Bangor Road development promotes cycling, walking and use of public transport. There will be 172 cycle spaces for residents and five spaces for visitors, along with two more for staff.
The sustainable scheme also does not incorporate any fossil fuel based heat generation plant, instead prioritising low carbon and renewable technologies.
The plans also show that the proposed new building’s courtyard is structured into distinct spaces, each defined by materials and planting. An outdoor activity area and terrace are also planned as part of this new development.
The City of Edinburgh Council’s planning department will now decide whether or not to approve the plans for this warehouse site at Bangor Road.
