PLANS for a Waterfront Plaza on wasteland in Leith have been publicly backed by business leaders ahead of a hearing this week.
The plans are praised in a joint letter of support sent to councillors on behalf of Port of Leith Housing Association, Leith Chamber of Commerce as well as Ocean Terminal and 41 of its businesses.
The letter "strongly urges" support for the housing proposals located on historically disused land opposite Ocean Terminal, citing the urgent need for new private and affordable homes and the huge potential boost to the local economy.
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Craig Lynes, of developer CALA Homes, said: “The strong support is especially welcome and recognises the importance and complexity of this site.
"It is hugely important that well considered homes can be built to ease the dramatic shortfall in the local housing supply.
"A site such as Waterfront Plaza, making use of a disused plot of land and located in such a vibrant part of the city will hopefully get the backing of the committee on Wednesday."
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The hearing is taking place following a committee meeting in November which unanimously called for a further discussion to assess in more detail CALA Homes' proposals.
An original recommendation for refusal due to a long-standing status on various local development plans that the site should be commercial-led, but research was presented at the November committee claiming that there was no tangible evidence of demand for large-scale commercial units at the location.
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The development will have 388 homes, including 97 affordable homes and will include small "workspace" units, similar to The Arches development on Market Street in the city, offering a wide range of potential uses including shops, cafes, galleries, creative space and offices ideally suited to start-ups.
The new plans present a varied breakdown of 30 townhouses, 27 colonies, 234 flats, as well as the affordable homes, made up of three townhouses and 94 flats, and commercial space.
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The developer said it is anticipated there will be an urban square and public green space and café building fronting Victoria Dock at Waterfront Plaza in the hope it will draw more visitors to the area and keep them there longer.
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