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Search the Public Notice PortalA decision has been made on the future of troubled flats in Edinburgh, some of which had problems deemed "beyond economical repair."
Westfield Court in Gorgie, one of the city's most prominent post-war housing blocks, has been earmarked for demolition for several years due to a range of serious structural and maintenance issues, including sewage leaks, flooding, fire safety concerns and failing service ducts.
A potential complication emerged after Historic Environment Scotland (HES) began considering the building for listed status in December 2025 as it deemed it worthy of protection.
As a result, the council halted a buyback programme aimed at acquiring full ownership of the block ahead of demolition.
The City of Edinburgh Council is the factor, largest co‑owner, landlord and statutory authority for Westfield Court and has been driving a strategy since 2022 to regain full ownership of the block to enable demolition and redevelopment for social housing.
The eight‑storey building off Gorgie Road was completed between 1948 and 1952, at a cost of £260,000, and was Scotland’s first multi‑storey community‑based municipal housing block. Designed by Williamson and Hubbard for Edinburgh Corporation, it was a pioneering experiment in mass social housing, combining 72 three‑bedroom family flats, 16 one‑bedroom homes for older residents and a nursery school on the top floor – all served by private balconies, communal heating and internal refuse chutes.
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A structural condition report, and subsequent updates to the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee, set out officers’ view that demolition is required, although councillors have yet to give final approval. The council’s planning committee has already agreed to object to and appeal any listing move.
The Tenants’ Rights (Scotland) Act of 1980 gave tenants the power to purchase their homes from the local authority at a discounted rate, resulting in two-thirds of the building now being privately owned (2026). The council currently owns 32 flats within Westfield Court, while the remaining 62 properties are privately owned.
In a report published on Thursday, HES says it will create a detailed photographic record of the building for the National Record of the Historic Environment but will not, for now, proceed with listing. The body stopped short of granting it listed status as the city moves ahead with plans to demolish it.
Officials say that, under their designation policy, they “normally avoid” adding new protections where development proposals are at an advanced stage and warn listing could materially affect “current and ongoing detailed development and planning discussions” and the circumstances of residents.
HES stresses that its decision “on this occasion” does not close the door on future protection, and says it will reconsider listing Westfield Court if circumstances change and demolition plans do not progress.
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