THE SCHOOLHOUSE, EDINBURGH

CCG, in partnership with Parc Craigmillar Ltd, part of the EDI Group, successfully regenerated the site of the former Niddrie Mill Primary School, Edinburgh, through a stunning mix of private and affordable homes.

Of the rented homes created at the development, 28 are available for mid-market rent managed by Places for People, with the remaining dwellings available for social rent via Castle Rock/Edinvar. All rented properties are contained within two flatted blocks set within a tender blind masterplan philosophy with a further 32 properties that were privately sold by CCG.

Given the historical importance of the former to school to the community of Craigmillar, CCG was challenged with retaining as much of the building as possible. However, due to the age and dilapidated condition of the building, retaining and converting the property in its entirety was commercially unviable and spatially inefficient once taking into account the requirements to upgrade to modern building regulations.

An alternative arrangement combining ‘old and new’ was ultimately achieved through detailed design work and the application of the ‘iQ’ Timber System to conceive 17 one-and-two-bedroom flats behind the retained school facade with the equally iconic cupola and weather vane – key recognisable features to the community – as well as The Wauchope War Memorial that resides in the foreground of the school façade were also carefully preserved.

The remaining dwellings within the development comprised two and the-bedroom terraced homes with three plots used exclusively for CCG’s sales and marketing complex which helped to support full sell-out status within a 13-month period.

Client:
CCG/ Places for People/ Castle Rock Edinvar

Contract Value:
£7 million

Awards:
Scottish Home Awards 2017 Affordable Housing Development of the Year (Private Builders)