A Scottish Government reporter has granted planning permission for a new student development at the former site of Tynecastle High School.
In addition to flats with 468 bed spaces, the original school hall will be repurposed as a central amenity hub, sitting within a courtyard space.
Landscaping proposals should increase green space across the site by more than 40% and the development will emply low carbon technologies, as well as having only cycle parking spaces.
The government reporter noted that the “development of the site for mainstream housing would be constrained by the presence of the listed buildings”, making student development a more viable option.
The site, which is dominated by the Heart of Midlothian football ground and North British Distillery, is also in proximity to universities and colleges, although the student population in the local area, including the proposed development, would still be only approximately 24%.
The school has lain vacant for more than a decade and fallen into a state of disrepair. The restoration of this Category B-listed building, designed by John Alexander Carfrae, formed an integral part of the proposals.
Council guidance pointed to student accommodation potentially freeing up traditional housing stock for families, with estimates that it could release up to 180 properties back into the housing market.
Charity People Know How will act as preferred operators for community facilities on the site, while People Know How will operate a community facility, with the option for other local community groups to use space.
Dan Teague, director at S1 Developments, said: “Whilst the redevelopment is challenging, our proposed use brings with it an opportunity to save and renovate the original school building and continue its educational use, benefitting the local community.
“The reporter also noted that this was a site more suitable for student housing than mainstream housing due to the constraints of the football stadium and North British Distillery.
“We look forward to working constructively with the community in delivering this development.”
Last September, the plans were referred to a committee meeting by planners, following 233 letters of objection.
Local residents hit out at the proposals and joined councillors in fighting for social housing instead of student flats. Protests were even been held outside the gates by Living Rent members, who also opposed the plans.
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