The development at the former Donaldson’s College is now reaching a crucial stage and the contractor who will build the new houses for CALA Homes has been appointed.
BAM Construction have signed a deal worth more than £30 million with CALA Homes to build the main shell and core structure of The Crescent. This is the modern part of the development which will be formed of 84 glass fronted modern homes. The location for this housing project is one of the most prestigious in Edinburgh set just a short distance from Haymarket Station and the West End.
The A-listed building was designed by Playfair and it has extensive grounds where the modern blocks will be set back behind the building line. Car parking is being formed underneath the site to keep the whole area as free from cars as possible. The £90 million project is one of the biggest and most ambitious undertaken by CALA.
David McGrath, Managing Director of CALA Homes (East) said: “This has been a major focus of ours for the past few years and we fully understand the responsibilities of developing within the World Heritage Site.
“In BAM, we are confident that we have a construction partner with the credentials and expertise to match our own high standards in delivering such an ambitious project.
“It is incredibly important to us that our partners understand the importance of this site and work with neighbours to minimise disruption as far as possible. BAM has proven that it shares these values.
“This promises to be a one-of-a-kind development that we are extremely proud to be part of. This appointment is the next step in realising the final, exciting design.”
Bruce Dickson, Regional Director of BAM Construction, said: “CALA Homes is recognised as the pre-eminent developer of upmarket homes in Scotland.
“We are thrilled to be involved in such an ambitious project here at The Crescent. CALA Homes have brought BAM on board for our expertise in delivering major complex construction projects.
“It’s fair to say that this project has some challenges, but we’ve already been working in partnership together for over a year to resolve the majority of these before we put a shovel in the ground.
“Both of our teams are completely committed to delivering this really exciting project and its one that, once completed, will definitely be an impressive addition to Edinburgh’s architectural legacy.”
Work will begin on the westernmost half of the crescent which is split in two. CALA says that careful consideration has been given to the design of the modern elements taking design cues from the New Town where there are many crescents.
It has taken some time for the development to begin following the move by Donaldson’s School for the Deaf to new purpose-built premises in Linlithgow. There was a period when CALA did nothing on the site due to the economic conditions of the property market, but they used that time to consult with the local community and heritage groups on the plans they were developing.
The Crescent will include garden flats, duplexes and penthouses with panoramic views of the existing building and the Pentlands beyond.
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