A series of public exhibitions have been arranged to outline a unique redevelopment opportunity on land adjacent to the Exchange District/Conference Square in the west of Edinburgh City Centre.

The vision of the ‘Exchange 2 Masterplan’ is to transform a 1.24 hectares brownfield site into an interlinked, regenerated part of Edinburgh City Centre. The three key themes of the plan are to provide new pedestrian access routes through the site, provide new connected public spaces and provide new buildings and land use that are appropriate to the area.

ScottishPower is currently upgrading its Dewar Place substation as part of an ongoing asset replacement programme. The new substation design is more compact, creating extra space, which has presented an opportunity for the proposed redevelopment. The other landowners in the redevelopment area are Scottish Enterprise and the City of Edinburgh Council.

The Masterplan area includes the substation and office building on Dewar Place, vacant land to the north-east of the substation, Conference House and the vacant site of 44-60 Torphicen Street on the west of the site.

The public exhibitions, due to be held at Capital Business Centre House, Canning Street from Tuesday 17th November to Thursday 19th, will outline three options for potential site development, on which feedback will be sought. The options will explore a range of potential layouts on which a mixed-use of new buildings and walkways can be situated. It is anticipated that these could include hotels and other leisure outlets, retail opportunities and residential dwellings. The plans also include a new pedestrian walkway over the West Approach Road that will connect the new development with Conference Square.

The creation of a masterplan proposal is to ensure a cohesive approach to the development of a significant area in the City Centre of Edinburgh. This approach is designed to ensure that any proposed development will enhance the area and provide genuine benefits.

As well as public exhibitions, consultation will also be undertaken with relevant stakeholders, including environmental organisations and transportation groups.

Following the consultation period, all feedback will be taken into consideration and it is anticipated that the process of applying for planning permission will commence early in the New Year.

Notes to Editors:

The Public Exhibitions are being managed by the property group GVA Grimley and are taking place:
 
At:   Capital Business Centre, CBC House, 24 Canning Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EG

On:  Tuesday 17 November 2009, 11am - 2pm
        Wednesday 18 November 2009, 2 - 6pm
        Thursday 19 November 2009, 4 - 8pm

Media Information: Paul Ferguson, 0141 566 4515 / 07702 665 924