S Harrison has successfully obtained planning permission for an innovative purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project on Gillespie Crescent, Edinburgh. Following the submission of updated plans in May 2025, the project has been given the green light to transform a vacant brownfield site located within the Marchmont, Meadows, and Bruntsfield Conservation Area into a contemporary five-storey building featuring 124 student bedrooms.
The Development Details
The approved design will include a mix of accommodation types, comprising 112 cluster apartment bedrooms and 12 self-contained studio apartments, with sizes varying from 16 sqm to 25 sqm. Notably, the project will also feature seven accessible bedrooms to cater to the diverse needs of students. This unique approach not only enhances the living experience but also reflects the commitment to inclusivity in student housing.
Location and Design Considerations
Situated approximately one mile south-west of the Edinburgh city centre, the 0.23-hectare site is ideally positioned on Gillespie Crescent, just a short distance from Bruntsfield Links and The Meadows, both of which are among the city’s most vibrant and desirable areas. Currently, the site comprises a vacant building alongside an associated car parking area, which will be repurposed to serve the new accommodation. Designed by jmarchitects, the development aims to harmonise with its conservation area setting, offering modern yet environmentally sustainable accommodation for students.
Amenities and Sustainability Features
The cluster apartments will be complemented by spacious communal areas, which are essential for fostering a sense of community among residents. Furthermore, the building will incorporate extensive shared internal amenity spaces, as well as four private external amenity areas featuring landscaped and paved spaces designed for socialising and recreation. Sustainability is a key focus of the project, with features such as air source heat pumps, roof-mounted photovoltaic panels, and green and blue roofs designed to minimise the environmental impact while maximising student comfort.