The Scottish Executive (Scottish Government) has given a conditional go-ahead for the 209,025 sq m (2.25m sq ft) southern phase of the Edinburgh Park office development.
The Executive said it is “minded” to grant permission as long as the developer New Edinburgh – a joint venture between The Miller Group and Edinburgh council – agrees to certain traffic management measures in what has become a congested part of the city.
The Executive had called in the development for a public inquiry partly because of the traffic implications of the scheme for the western edge of Edinburgh. The southern phase is a £38m investment expected to provide around 20,000 jobs.
Lezley Cameron, chairman of New Edinburgh, said: “We are pleased that, following a long consultation and inquiry process, the Scottish Executive has announced that it is minded to grant permission for this development. The plans will allow Edinburgh to meet the changing needs of modern companies and to develop Scotlands leading business park as a headquarter destination for international companies – however, there is still a long way to go.
“We are looking forward to working with the appropriate bodies in order to address the aspects highlighted by the Minister relating mainly to the transport aspects of the application, including access and parking initiatives. In line with current requirements, at Edinburgh Park we are already working hard with occupiers to develop traffic reducing measures such as shuttle buses, reduced car parking facilities and car sharing and the plans detailed further initiatives.
“Our intention to install a railway station at the southernmost section of the site, creating an appropriate gateway for development of this size and significance, has already moved forward, and we are hoping to announce an agreement with the appropriate bodies soon.”
Current occupiers of Edinburgh Park include Guinness UDV, John Menzies, ICL Computers, Oracle, Scottish Equitable, Intelligent Finance, Aegon and BT.
EGi News 13/07/01
