Edinburgh Airport has signed a new agreement on the new ‘digital quarter’ development that could see thousands of homes built on an old runway.
Drum Property Group and Edinburgh Airport signed the deal to work together on the site in West Edinburgh and help fulfil the ambition of a proposed development by the City of Edinburgh Council.
The Crosswind Developments Ltd would include flats, hotels, retail, business, food and drink and leisure buildings on the site, and would create thousands of new jobs.
A report by BiGGAR Economics claims the development could add £460 million per year in GVA (Gross Value Added) and support 6600 jobs.
The plans are currently being considered by the Scottish Government after the City of Edinburgh Council failed to reach a decision.
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However, Edinburgh council did recently approve West Edinburgh as an area for future growth in their the proposed City Plan 2030.
Speaking to Insider, John Watson, chief executive of Crosswind, said: “City of Edinburgh Council has asked developers to work together more constructively and this a prime example of us doing our bit - by working together in some specific areas, we can ensure all our plans are delivered in the most cost effective and co-ordinated way.”
Graeme Bone, group managing director at Drum Property Group, said: “Since taking control of the site at West Edinburgh, we have recognised that working collaboratively with neighbouring interests will be fundamental in the delivery of such an important strategic area for the city.”
Gordon Dewar, chief executive at Edinburgh Airport, commented: “We’re all ambitious to unlock the potential of West Edinburgh and we all share a desire to see that ambition achieved sustainably, collaboratively and for the good of the city.
“This agreement formalises the discussions we’ve been having on our individual plans and provides a vehicle for us to deliver an exciting, shared vision for the future.”
The Scottish Government are expected to make a decision on the Digital Quarter in the coming weeks and months.
