People who live in the in 3500-home sustainable village, called the Garden District, on the western fringe of the capital, will be encouraged to grow their own fruit and vegetables in gardens or allotments and everyone will be within five minutes’ walk of a bus or tram stop.
The self-sufficient community near Ratho would have a high school, two primaries, shops, a library, a medical centre and a sports village with a 25,000-seater stadium and a national curling rink.
The centrepiece will be the Calyx, a visitor attraction inspired by the Glasgow Garden Festival and the idea of the BBC’s Beechgrove presenter Jim McColl, which will showcase sustainable gardening methods for visitors and residents.
The Calyx would be Scotland’s National Garden Centre if the plan for the village, due to be started in 2014 and completed by 2030, is accepted by Edinburgh City Council.
Once finished, the area would employ 650 people, including 150 at the centre, which will be open year-round and contribute £50 million a year to the economy, it was claimed.
A major sticking point for the project when the planning application is lodged will be that it would be built on greenbelt.
Other concerns raised yesterday included traffic problems around the villages of Ratho and Ratho Station and reliance on a tram system that is currently considered under threat.
McColl, who has been presenting gardening programmes for 30 years, said: “I’ve been discussing this project since the end of the National Garden Festivals.
“This partnership could turn our concept into a reality. The importance of gardens and gardening in people’s lives is undervalued.”
Professor Stephen Blackmore, regius keeper at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, said the Calyx, named after the outer envelope that protects the developing flower bud, would not be in competition with the nearby attraction.
He said: “There is scope for a dynamic partnership between RBGE and the Calyx, which will complement each other well, like Kew and Wisley.”
Jestyn Davies, managing director of Murray Estates, said the company, which is part of Murray International Holdings, would provide £100m for the first phase
He added that he was confident developers would come forward to back later stages.
He said: “We would put early enabling infrastructure and then other developers would come on board in time and build the houses and facilities. Edinburgh’s Garden District could grow into one of the most desirable places to live in the city.”
Murray said: “Our vision in 2010 for Edinburgh’s Garden District has been carefully formulated over several years and we believe these ambitious proposals will provide a positive lasting legacy for the city.
Margaret Smith, LibDem MSP for West Edinburgh, raised concerns over traffic levels and greenbelt encroachment.
She said: “If you are going to propose taking away the greenbelt you have to sweeten that pill and this plan is being sweetened by saying it is going to be a green development.”
Norman Work, SNP councillor for the area, was sceptical. He said: “It’s a housing scheme with a glorified garden centre.”
Resident Judy Wightman, of Ratho and District Community Council, said: “The thought of this fills me with dread. We already have drivers using the place as a rat run.”
Ian Shanks, of Bank of Scotland -- Murray Estates’ partner in the project -- said it presented “a very real and exciting opportunity.”
