York-based development firm S Harrison has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining planning permission for an essential purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project on Gillespie Crescent, situated in Edinburgh. This development is poised to revitalise a brownfield site within the Marchmont, Meadows and Bruntsfield Conservation Area, providing a total of 124 high-quality student bedrooms within a modern five-storey structure.
The Project Overview
The planned accommodation will consist of 112 cluster apartment bedrooms alongside 12 self-contained studio rooms, which will vary in size from 16 square metres for the studio rooms to 25 square metres for the larger units. Notably, the scheme will also include seven accessible bedrooms, ensuring inclusivity for all students. This thoughtful design aims to foster a vibrant student community, with cluster apartments featuring communal living spaces and ample amenity areas.
Strategic Location and Accessibility
Positioned approximately one mile south-west of Edinburgh’s city centre, the 0.23-hectare site is strategically located on Gillespie Crescent, in close proximity to Bruntsfield Links and The Meadows. Presently, the area encompasses an unoccupied building alongside a car parking facility. The development’s location is advantageous for students, as both the University of Edinburgh’s George Square campus and Edinburgh Napier University’s Merchiston campus are within a 15-minute walking distance. Furthermore, Haymarket Station is roughly an 18-minute walk away, enhancing transport links for residents.
Industry Implications and Future Prospects
Gavin Douglas, a representative from S Harrison, expressed enthusiasm regarding the planning approval. He stated, “Securing planning permission for 50 Gillespie Crescent is a significant milestone and brings forward an increasingly rare PBSA opportunity in this part of Edinburgh, making this a particularly compelling proposition.” He further noted that the site benefits from an exceptional location, excellent transport links, and extensive local amenities, all of which contribute to its attractiveness for students.
With the planning permission now in place, S Harrison plans to engage actively with PBSA developers, investors, and operators who are keen to leverage the continued strength of Edinburgh’s student accommodation market. The company has a strong track record in this sector, having delivered hundreds of student bedrooms in the city, including the recently completed East Newington Place development and another project at 179 Canongate, which is set to be finalised before the upcoming student intake year.