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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Sian Traynor

Huge Edinburgh development could be built on top of old mines near Fort Kinnaird

Plans for a huge new Edinburgh development on the outskirts of the city could be approved if proposals are accepted by the council.

Located next to The Wisp and Fort Kinnaird, the site of former Edinburgh mines could be transformed into a large residential community if deemed safe.

Currently lying derelict, the fields next to the popular shopping complex was once running as the Niddrie Colliery, with hundreds employed to head underground

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Maps from the late 1800s have shown a number of pits running under the area, which were in great demand and use for decades during the industrial revolution.

During its hay day, the works included railway lines and coal pits all over the area, as well as a gas works and shaft running workers up and down daily.

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However in the years between the 1950s and 70s, the site became non longer in use, with railway lines demolished as the residential areas around Niddrie expanded.

Lying empty above ground ever since, the new plans for a large residential development are under investigation from archaeological and mining officials to ensure it would be safe to build on top of.

If found to be acceptable, architects have so far detailed that the site would include a large residential area that would stretch around the car garages at the edge of Fort Kinnaird.

New green spaces would also be created and landscaped gardens installed, with potential for a children's play park to be installed in the plans.

Developers have also suggested a series of new roads and footpaths to connect the community to The Wisp, however plans are still to be approved by the council.

An official date for a decision from the council is yet to be made.

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