EDINBURGH WESTERN HARBOUR

Edinburgh Western Harbour is a £250 million mixed-use regeneration project at the Port of Leith by Forth Ports, delivering around 2,000 homes, commercial spaces, and public amenities over phases concluding in the next five years. It forms a sustainable waterfront neighbourhood linked to the Edinburgh tram extension, a new primary school, health centre, and a 4.4-hectare park, the largest new green space in Edinburgh in 150 years. The development advances net-zero goals amid Leith’s urban renewal.

It is a planned waterfront regeneration in Leith – Newhaven, turning reclaimed port land into a mixed-use neighbourhood with housing, parks, a promenade, and community facilities. Designed in collaboration with Rankin Fraser Landscape Architects, the proposals will deliver 205 homes around communal courtyards, ground-floor shops, cafés, and segregated cycle lanes tying into future phases. Features encompass the Harbour Gateway, waterfront access, and integrated transport hubs for trams, buses, and active travel. Construction emphasises streets with distinct characters for community identity, alongside a 540-pupil school nearing completion.

Future Cities criteria compliance

Environmental & Nature

Amended plans cut parking by 43% (326 spaces from 570), saving 4,555 tonnes of CO2e by omitting concrete decks and adding 10,950 square metres. of landscaping.

Carbon-efficient district heating, native planting, and the Go Green Hub promote low-emission living with CO2 tracking. The park and reduced car dependency align with Scotland’s net-zero ambitions.

Smart City

Proposals integrate electric vehicle charging infrastructure, E-car clubs, E-bike hire, and a “Go Green” Hub for real-time energy monitoring and transport options.

Connectivity leverages the 2023 tram extension, Lothian Buses, and digital tools, publicising sustainable choices via an education centre. Centralised systems replace parking decks, enabling adaptive EV repurposing.

Human-Centric

Communal gardens, amenity spaces for home working, and neighbourhood centres foster social interaction and walkability.

Inclusive access to parks, waterfront, schools, and transit serves families and diverse residents. The education centre engages schools and locals in sustainability, enhancing community well-being.

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