News

Green light for exciting new neighbourhood on former brownfield site in West Edinburgh

Turley provided expert Townscape, Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) and Economics services to Summix Capital, whose proposals for a residential-led, mixed-use development at Edinburgh Gateway, the site of the former Saica packaging facility in West Edinburgh, which has now received the green light by councillors.

The application was granted planning permission, subject to conditions, by councillors on the Council’s Development Management Sub-Committee.

The Edinburgh Gateway development provides a unique opportunity to regenerate this former industrial site on Turnhouse Road, covering 15.5 acres (6.3 ha).

This brownfield site is allocated in the Council’s City Plan 2030 for residential-focused redevelopment, and its granting will deliver one of the most exciting and best-connected development sites in Scotland.

The flagship vibrant new neighbourhood aims to deliver a mix of uses. This includes the delivery of 957 homes, 35% of which are affordable, plus a new hotel with 172 bedrooms. In addition, ground-floor retail. commercial and community uses are proposed, as well as the creation of new public realm and a station interface with associated landscaping, infrastructure, car parking and access arrangements.

The proposed housing will include tenure-blind affordable housing to address the city’s well-publicised housing emergency and will provide accessible family homes and Build-to-Rent (BTR) accommodation. BTR sees homes built specifically for rent, rather than sale.

The development masterplan defines seven development plots. Plots 1 and 2 will deliver private sale housing; Plots 3 and 4 are dedicated to BTR homes; and Plots 5 and 6 contribute to the city’s affordable housing provision. Plot 7 will accommodate the new hotel.

A range of local services is available within the area, including public transport, education, food retail opportunities and recreation facilities.

The site reflects excellent access to existing or planned sustainable transport networks, making the low-car-ownership/low-car-travel policy targets achievable. This includes direct pedestrian access to the Edinburgh Gateway Railway Station, with both it and Edinburgh Gateway Tram Station located within easy walking distance.

The landscaping proposals offer a wide range of outdoor experiences for users, with high-quality open space, including public realm and communal areas throughout the development.

A northern park area with a rain garden is proposed, along with wildflower meadows, tree planting, and a formal playground, lawn, and picnic areas. Additionally, two new civic squares are envisaged.

Delivering biodiversity enhancements, the proposals present opportunities for stronger connections throughout the site and the surrounding area, with a pedestrian focus and ample, easily accessible amenity open spaces for future residents and users of the proposed development.


 
Stuart Black, Development Director for Summix Capital, said:

“The granting of this planning application for Edinburgh Gateway will create one of Scotland’s most exciting and best-connected neighbourhoods, representing a significant investment in the capital.

“Redeveloping one of the last significant pieces of brownfield land in the city into a brand-new, sustainable mixed-use community, Edinburgh Gateway will support the tackling of the city’s well-publicised housing emergency.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the local community and Council officers, as we progress the delivery of the development.”

Kate Dowdall, Associate Director, Landscape, Townscape & VIA, added:

“We are proud to have advised Summix Capital on the major residential-led, mixed-use development at Edinburgh Gateway, which has now secured approval. Our work demonstrated how the proposals respond sensitively to their surroundings while transforming a derelict brownfield site into a high-quality, well-connected new neighbourhood.”

Spain-based paper and cardboard company Saica has relocated to a purpose-built facility at Deans Road in Livingston. It is active in nine other European countries.

18 December 2025