A proposal to transform Edinburgh’s largest brownfield site at Granton Waterfront into "a new coastal town" has been published by the City of Edinburgh Council today.

The former industrial land is set to become one of Scotland’s leading sustainable developments, bringing new homes, business, culture, leisure, learning and employment opportunities.

The plans will be presented to the council's policy and sustainability committee, which meets on Tuesday next week.

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A new coastal city park linking Granton Harbour to Gypsy Brae will re-connect the city with its waterfront providing the opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy spectacular views across the Forth while experiencing enhanced leisure and outdoor activity.

The plan is also set to deliver on exemplar urban design centred around climate resilience, leading the way in future sustainable development and growing the economy in an inclusive way.

The proposals will bring around 3,500 new homes of which at least 35% will be affordable, a school, medical centre, new cycling and walking routes and enhanced sustainable transport connections with the city, making a significant contribution to Edinburgh’s target to become a net zero carbon city by 2030.

With an overall gross development value of around £1.3bn, the council said it is committed to investing around £196m to accelerate the regeneration, attracting significant public and private sector funding to deliver the vision.

The council’s housing association partners are currently delivering around 700 new homes for sale and rent within the Granton Waterfront area with commitment by key public sector partners National Museums Scotland, National Galleries of Scotland and Edinburgh College.

Following extensive consultation with the local community and other key stakeholders, a Development Framework will be published by the Council tomorrow for Granton Waterfront.

An exhibition of the Framework also opens tomorrow at Edinburgh College and runs until Friday, March 6.

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Staff will be on hand to answer any questions at the exhibition tomorrow 4-7pm.

Adam McVey, leader of City of Edinburgh Council, said: "We’ve made a commitment to become a net zero carbon city by 2030 and the regeneration of Granton offers the perfect opportunity to showcase how this can be delivered.

"We are committed to working with the local community and partners to create vibrant new neighbourhoods where people live and travel and grow the economy in an eco- friendly way."

Car dealership firm Pendragon has appointed Bill Berman as its new chief executive, weeks after it warned over profits.

Mr Berman had been the firm's interim executive chairman since October, when previous chief Mark Herbert left after just three months in the role.

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Last year, the group - which trades under the Evans Halshaw and Stratstone brands - cut around 300 jobs as part of plans to shut a raft of its Car Store showrooms.

Mr Berman said he plans to drive the company forward during a period of "rapid change" as consumer confidence remains weak.

The car-seller warned last month that losses would widen on the back of a slowdown in new vehicle sales and a crackdown on personal contract purchase loans.

The new chief originally joined Pendragon as a non-executive director in April 2019.

High street retailer Laura Ashley has rebounded from two days of struggle as the business won permission to use a loan to fund its daily operations.

The business said talks with lender Wells Fargo over the terms of a £20 million loan had concluded.

"The group should be able to utilise requisite funds from its working capital facility with Wells Fargo to meet its immediate funding requirements," Laura Ashley said in a statement to the stock exchange.

The business's shares roses by 0.35p to 2p, a 21% increase.