A NEW £26 million civic centre flanked by 700 new homes and bringing 180 jobs is planned for one of the Scottish capital's most deprived districts.
A revamp of an eyesore shopping centre and surrounding area to create a new community hub with a park area in Pennywell and Muirhouse is being considered by Edinburgh City Council.
A report going before all councillors on Thursday outlines the proposals which it is hoped will bring around 160 energy efficient affordable homes, 13 shops, new office space for local services and a new quality civic square and public realm, linking this centre with the wider area.
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Over 90 of the new homes will be built specifically for older people with lift access and communal meeting space.
The council said aim of this is to create a safe, secure and supportive environment to enable residents to remain in their home for longer.
Approval will be sought to place a project order with Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd using Scape Group Ltd framework to deliver the new civic centre on a phased basis over the next three to four years.
The transformation of this area including construction of over 700 new homes in total and an NHS-led partnership centre well under way.
The area will be home to around 2000 new residents and 180 staff over the next six to eight years.
Cammy Day, housing convener, said: “The Pennywell development is Scotland’s largest housing-led regeneration scheme which captures what we’re aiming for across the city - a range of affordable, energy efficient homes that are completed to the highest standard.
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“We know there is a strong desire within the Pennywell and Muirhouse community to see the area transformed into a new ‘civic heart’ for the existing, new and emerging population.
"These proposals for a new local centre and community hub will make the area an attractive place where people wish to live, work and play and will serve future generations.”
Community members can still put forward suggestions for the final design until Friday October 28.
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