Heron Place

Heron Place is a prominent waterfront residential development on reclaimed land within the Western Granton. Hackland +Dore Architects' design delivers 104 new build homes and associated landscape providing 100% much needed affordable housing for Port of Leith Housing Association with a 46/58 ratio of social and mid-market rent on a tenure blind design by Hackland + Dore Architects. 82 no. flats and 22 no. three bed family duplexes at ground level all having access to integrated communal facilities and high-quality landscaping. Heron Place contributes to the comprehensive regeneration and improvement of the site and of the wider western Granton area by turning a derelict land into a neighbourhood that offers a viable, economical and sustainable community. It enhances the existing adjoining neighbourhood and provides significant urban, social and environmental improvements. Heron place plays an active role within the strategic Edinburgh waterfront regeneration masterplan. PoLHA, Hackland + Dore Architects and the Design Team delivered a sensitive response comprising a range of significant urban and economic improvements with positive impact on the local community. This is achieved by; - Turning derelict land into a sustainable environment - Enhancing the 'public realm', accessible amenity space - Contributing to the network of paths for pedestrians and cyclists by defining and improving connections to the existing marina - Addressing local housing needs with provision of a wide range of sustainable and affordable modern homes - The main contractor CCG has provided a series of community benefit initiatives focussing on the employment of local residents (2 site labourers, 1 site administrator, 1 trade apprenticeship) and a local property cleaning company - PoLHA offered a number of activities and events to support tenants to get to know each other and local people and to support young people to settle into the development - PoLHA has commissioned a local community gardening organisation to support and train tenants to get the best from the new vegetable plots. The energy-efficient development exceeds the minimum building standards requirements, achieving a 'Bronze active' building standard for Sustainability. This is achieved by prioritising the sustainable location of a brownfield site, by including the use of photovoltaics panels delivering renewable energy, a 'fabric first' design approach with a highly insulated envelope targeting CO2 emissions reduction, generous use of glass contributes towards maximising solar gain, long lasting reusable and recyclable materials to reduce both operational and embodied carbon emissions. The development provides 100% secure bike storage and prioritises public transport. The outcome is a long term, mixed-tenure development providing a comprehensive well integrated placemaking solution that meets housing targets, delivers a strategic environment and a neighbourhood where communities feel connected and can thrive.