THE bidding process to appoint a development partner for the former Fountain Brewery site in the Scottish capital has been launched.

The City of Edinburgh Council said the regeneration of the Fountainbridge neighbourhood has taken a major step forward with the move.

Plans include a tech incubator, social enterprises, homes and restaurants.

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The site is the land between Fountainbridge and the Union Canal previously known as India Quay, and is adjacent to the New Fountainbridge site being developed by Vastint Hospitality.

The Herald:

The council has published a contract notice seeking expressions of interest from potential developers.

The responses will be used to draw up a shortlist, with the council hoping to have a development partner in place by the summer.

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The redevelopment involves three hectares of canalside brownfield and includes over 400 new homes - 177 affordable - and a 10,000 sqm office building aimed at growing technology companies.

Kate Campbell, housing convener, said: “This next phase will see hundreds of new homes being built and around 40% of them will be affordable. “

She added: “We’re also looking at a low or zero carbon energy solution for the site which is vital to our commitment to reach net zero carbon by 2030.”

Work could begin in spring 2021.