Plans have been officially lodged for the demolition and redevelopment of the Scottish Water Offices in south Edinburgh.
The move has been forced by “severe structural risks, particularly RAAC” — reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete — which planners say have made the building unsalvageable.
At this stage, only a planning permission in principle (PPiP) has been submitted, but repair costs are considered prohibitive, and planners assert “demolition and redevelopment are therefore the only practical and policy‑aligned options”.
The statutory corporation has laid out plans for the redevelopment of the site into a residential development, and they are expected to begin looking for a developer once they have moved into their new offices at the council’s Waverley Court and Fairmilehead has exhausted its operational use.
Scottish Water chiefs also said that, because of changing work patterns and the increasing prevalence of people working from home, Fairmilehead has gone underutilised, and a shared office space simply makes more sense. This was established during a corporation-wide property review.
Plans for what the site may look like as a residential area are in their early stages with no firm schematics laid out, and the corporation is hoping engagement with stakeholders and consultation with the community can help shape plans.
Instead, planning documents have focused on establishing the principles of the development for a future buyer, and offering justification for the demolition.
Avison Young, who submitted planning documents on behalf of Scottish Water, said: “The structures are no longer viable for retention owing to severe structural risks, particularly RAAC, extensive MEP obsolescence, façade non-compliance, and high future capital expenditure requirements.
“We consider that demolition and redevelopment are therefore the only practical and policy‑aligned options.”
The office block’s structure and fabric, mechanics and electrics, fire safety, and building materials have all been rated as “high risk” by planners.
A Scottish Water spokesperson said: “Scottish Water is relocating its Edinburgh office from Fairmilehead to Waverley Court in the city centre.
“The move follows a review of our office estate and changing working patterns. Since Covid, Fairmilehead has been significantly under-utilised and is relatively difficult to access by public transport.
“Waverley Court will provide a more modern, accessible and sustainable workplace that better supports how we work today, while maintaining a significant Scottish Water presence in Edinburgh.
“We have submitted a planning permission in principle application for the future redevelopment of the Fairmilehead site.
“As part of that process, we are engaging with local residents and stakeholders and gathering feedback before detailed proposals are developed.
“Community consultation is currently under way and will help inform future plans for the site.”
They added: “As the planning process is at an early stage, it would be premature to comment on the final form, scale or timing of any redevelopment. Any future development proposals would be subject to the necessary planning approvals and further consultation.
“Our move to Waverley Court is expected to be completed during 2026. Customer services will not be affected.”
It is expected that Scottish Water will look to sell the site when it is no longer needed for “operational purposes”.
With the move expected to be completed in 2026, Scottish Water could begin to look for a developer before the end of the year.
- This article or a part of it is provided by the news agency Deadline News Limited and published here with permission.
- Contact Deadline News Limited if you would like to use any or all of this article.
