Large student village planned for Water of Leith
A large student village could soon be built on the banks of the Water of Leith if new plans get the go-ahead.
The major scheme would see two patches of land off Lanark Road at Longstone transformed into a complex of flats and studio rooms straddling either side of the river – providing housing for around 250 students.
The proposals would also mean the demolition of the recently refurbished Blue Goose Country Pub alongside nearby garage and car dealer Westside Motors.
It is understood a private operator would be expected to take over the completed site, which will not be affiliated to any specific university but could target students at Heriot-Watt and Napier.
The plans, which are contained within a pre-application notice submitted to the council by Lanark Road Living Limited and Rick Finc Associates, include 24-hour reception areas and 200 cycle spaces – with no more than five car parking spaces provided at each development.
Developers said there was potential to build a new link to the Water of Leith walkway – but insisted there were no current moves to construct a bridge over the river connecting the two sites.
But councillors and community groups have argued the ambitious plans are simply too big for the local area. Stewart Campbell, planning spokesman at Longstone Community Council, said it was “not the right place” for the project …