Plans have been lodged for the demolition of a vacant Hearts Supporters’ club to construct temporary housing for homeless people.
Unum Partnership and FK100 have submitted proposals to demolish Gorgie Social Club and replace it with 97 studio apartments for people experiencing homelessness.
The new building would occupy the corner plot, with L-shaped accommodation set back behind a narrow-landscaped strip. A corner entrance would give staff and visitors direct access, with a central lift shaft serving all floors.
Planners assured that the facility would be used only to shelter the city’s homeless population – and would not be used to house asylum seekers.
In a statement, they wrote: “The facilities benefit the city’s population by reintroducing a sense of stability for those for whom it would benefit the most.
“Keeping vulnerable people from sleeping on the streets – allowing them to get back on their feet.”
They added: “The accommodation is rented and administered by the Council’s Temporary Accommodation Service.”
Posting on social media, local MP Scott Arthur said: “The development would provide temporary accommodation for just under 100 households, alongside on-site care and management services.
“The aim is to offer safe and suitable housing for people experiencing homelessness and to reduce reliance on emergency or inadequate accommodation within the city.”
The accommodation takes the form of private, studio-based units designed to provide all the essentials in one room as individuals “begin to regain independence and the ability to re-integrate back into society in a dignified manner”.
The facility would include a landscaped courtyard and lift, while the L-shaped white brick section would stretch to seven storeys to tie in with the neighbouring student accommodation.
Justifying the demolition rather than a refit of the building, planners added: “Unfortunately, due to neglect, the condition of this building has deteriorated significantly. The windows are now caged and secured to prevent intrusion.
“The roof and render is all in need of repair and shows signs of being penetrated by the elements.
“Given the use of this building and the temporary nature of its functions, it provides little activity to the street and surrounding area outwith event times. This poses security issues and isolates this area of the neighbourhood.
“Through replacement of this building with one which has functions all through the day, it is hoped that the street will become a more active space and a more connective element of the city.
“The existing building is derelict and vacant. Any proposal to retain the building, especially for the important proposed use as outlined by this proposal, would not be viable either financially, nor from a sustainability point of view.”
Plans will be decided upon by 2 December.
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