The building on Coltbridge Terrace which was formerly Lansdowne House School, and latterly one of the buildings used by St George’s School for Girls has been sold as a care community site.
The 2.2 acre site will be transformed into what developers Vivere call a “high quality extra care community” where residents can enjoy their life for longer and are able to “age in place”.
There will be on site amenities and care services in the £25 million investment plans. The developer and St George’s School will now go ahead with a joint planning application which will include new build as well as refurbishment of the 1875 building known originally as Coltbrodge Hall where the upper floors will become “heritage apartments”.
An information event will be held on 2 October 2025 from 4pm to 6pm at Lansdowne House, 11-15 Coltbridge Terrace EH12 6AB.
Carol Chandler-Thompson, Head of St George’s School, said: “After a thorough and carefully considered process, we are confident we have selected the right buyer who will be respectful of the site during the development phase, and a good neighbour to the school and the local community in the years ahead.”
Carol adds: “St George’s has a proud and pioneering heritage in Edinburgh, and an exciting future ahead as we bring inspiration, opportunities and positive role models to our students, and also to girls right across the city. The proceeds from this sale enable us to invest further in our 15-acre, single-site parkland campus in Ravelston, enriching the exceptional 360-degree school experience, facilities and sector leading education that equips girls with unshakable confidence and to make a lasting, positive impact on society.”
Scott Curran, Co-Founding Director of Vivere said: “For almost 70 years before it became a school Lansdowne Housewas a private dwelling and our vision is to return the site to its residential origins, protect and refurbish Lansdowne House and its Lodge, and create a high-quality community, providing extra care homes designed for local people. Our proposals are aligned with the Scottish Government’s ambition to both raise life expectancy in Scotland and the provision of suitable housing and amenities for older people which help to enhance their health and wellbeing.”
Danielle Corker, Associate Director at Savills said: “Savills is pleased to have supported St George’s School in securing Vivere to develop this important site into a much needed extra care community. The upcoming community event will give local residents a chance to learn more about Vivere and engage directly with the team. It’s exciting to see the next phase begin.”
Vivere was formed by a joint venture between Probitas, a specialist in extra care homes, and Stephenson Group, a contractor and mixed-use investor-developer. Vivere is led by Co-Founding Director Scott Curran, who was born in Edinburgh and is a qualified architect from the Edinburgh College of Art.
