About
Shawfair

Built on thoughtful planning and strong connections, Shawfair is becoming a place with homes, schools, parks and infrastructure designed to support daily life now and for generations to come.

Story Masterplan sustainability

Shawfair's Story

Shawfair’s story starts with a landscape-led masterplan and a commitment to doing things properly. Since 2014, homes, parks and connections have taken shape, creating the foundations for a town designed to grow over time.

The Masterplan

The masterplan brings together homes, parks, schools, transport and a future town centre within one clear framework. It guides steady growth, making sure Shawfair develops in a coordinated and considered way as new phases take shape.

What People Often Ask

As Shawfair grows, different people have different questions.
Here you’ll find straightforward answers about the past,
the present and how the town will continue to develop.

How many homes will there be?

Shawfair has outline planning consent for 3,990 homes and with 1000 already delivered and over 1,500 under construction or committed, the town is well on its way to realising that vision. Supported by a partnership of leading national housebuilders, each new phase brings more families to Shawfair and moves us closer to the thriving, fully formed community we are building together.

How is sustainability built into the plans?

Sustainability is part of how Shawfair has been planned and developed from the start. A key feature is the low-carbon district heating network, delivered in partnership with Vattenfall, providing homes with heat and hot water without the need for individual gas boilers. Across the masterplan, over 80 acres of parkland and green space are supported by a network of walking and cycling routes, encouraging active travel and everyday access to nature. Ionity rapid EV chargers at Shawfair Business Park also support lower-emission travel, while the town centre and community campus are being designed with the same long-term approach in mind.

When will the town centre be delivered?

The Shawfair Town Centre is planned as part of the wider development, providing space for shops, places to eat and drink, and everyday services. The Town Centre Strategy is currently under review, and timings for delivery will be shared as plans progress.

Who is responsible for delivering Shawfair?

Shawfair is being delivered by Shawfair LLP, a joint venture between Buccleuch Property and Mactaggart & Mickel. Working in partnership with Midlothian Council and a range of housebuilders including Miller Homes, Bellway, Cruden, Dandara, Springfield, Robertson Homes and Dundas Estates, Shawfair LLP leads the masterplanning, infrastructure and long-term development of the site.

How does the masterplan shape growth?

The Shawfair masterplan sets out how the town grows in a coordinated way, rather than as a series of separate developments.

It guides where homes, schools, green spaces and community facilities are located, as well as how walking and cycling routes connect across the site. Each new phase is planned to build on what’s already in place.

The masterplan also allows for change over time, with key elements such as the town centre, Community Campus and later phases of housing delivered in step with the needs of a growing community.

Sustainability

From a low-carbon district heat network to walkable streets and generous green space, sustainability is built into how Shawfair grows. It’s part of the masterplan from day one — creating a town designed to reduce impact, connect people and stand the test of time.

A Lasting Legacy

Shawfair is being shaped with the long term in mind — from new schools and community spaces to green infrastructure and strong connections. The aim is simple: to create a place that continues to grow, adapt and serve future generations.

The People Behind Shawfair

Shawfair has been shaped by many hands. Planners, designers, housebuilders, local partners and community voices. From the earliest plans to today’s growing neighbourhoods, it’s a shared effort built on long-term commitment and collaboration.

meet the team

About Shawfair