Work on the creation of more than 500 student flats at a former school site is “well under way”

The redevelopment of the former Tynecastle High School, designed by renowned Scottish architect John Alexander Carfrae, will provide accommodation for 545 students, with “retention of the school building is at the heart of the design”.

MLA Architects said the the purpose-built student accommodation by S1 Developments will sit alongside the "sensitively restored B Listed main school building".

Designed for the University of Edinburgh, the existing façade is retained, and two new build blocks are added for further rooms and amenity spaces.


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“Sustainability and re-use have been prioritised,” said MLA Architects. “The car-free environment will focus on green space, cycle parking provision and low carbon technologies.

“Central ‘collegiate’ style courtyards support planting and encourage bio-diversity and water attenuation.

“These spaces are surrounded by the new buildings acting as buffers between this space, the adjacent distillery and the western approach road.

“A community facility is accessible from the adjacent street, whilst a sheltered urban farm is also provided for use by the local community.”