Gorgie residents invited to have say on proposed redevelopment of Scotmid store

Gorgie residents are invited to attend Public Information Days at Stenhouse Church of Scotland today and tomorrow (6 and 7 November, 2pm-7pm) held by Scotmid and developer and operator Structured House Group to discuss revised plans for the proposed redevelopment of the existing store.

The draft plans that were submitted in July for a mixed-use proposal for the site of the store with managed student accommodation have been amended after input and feedback following the public consultation.

Alongside Manson Architects and Structured House Group, Scotmid has worked closely with Edinburgh City Council and were receptive to feedback from the Edinburgh Urban Design Renewal and the Planning Department about reducing the amount of student apartments by almost 10%.

This development will be the first of its kind in Scotmid’s 159-year history – something that excites the Society’s Head of Property, Development and Facilities, Maurissa Fergusson.

Maurissa Fergusson said: “We’re excited about the plans for the new store and we want to share this information with the local community.

“The proposed state-of-the-art store will include the latest CO2 refrigerant and energy-saving technologies as well as a new expanded range of popular products.

“We’re proud to be at the heart of the Gorgie landscape and we’ve served the local community for over 150 years – our aim is for that to continue with an improved state-of-the-art store that the area can be proud of.

“Scotmid’s core purpose has always been to serve our communities and improve people’s everyday lives, so we understand how vital it is for the local community to be engaged during every step of the process.

“We look forward to welcoming everybody from the Gorgie area to these Public Information Days, so that we can share information, ideas and co-operate fully to ensure this project is beneficial to the local community.”

Brian Smith, Operations Director at Structured House Group which will also manage the student accommodation, said: “By amending our proposals, we have taken on board the feedback received from experts and Edinburgh Urban Design Panel. 

“Our ambitions continue to be to invest in the city and to work in partnership with Scotmid to enhance an important local store for the community with the added benefit of bringing more customers through our student footfall.

“Our student residence will be managed by our in-house property-arm BOHO to ensure that we build for the long-term, get to know our neighbours, and are an integral part of the local community. Our refreshed proposals strive to meet the needs of the local community and address any issues raised. We look forward to bringing economic benefits and new investment of £15million to the city while enhancing the character and appearance of Gorgie Road.”

Manson Architects has worked to incorporate the new state-of-the-art store with a mixture of studio and cluster type apartments with 100% cycle storage and amenity space.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend the Public Information Days where refreshments will be provided.

Main photo of proposed Gorgie Road redevelopment