Deputy First Minister unveils new £200m property project For Edinburgh and Midlothian

The £200m development aims to revitalise the South East Wedge of the city by creating a new residential and commercial quarter with around 4,000 new, quality homes, of which approximately 700 will be affordable and one million sq ft of commercial and retail space. The development will also benefit from the Borders Railway, currently under construction, which will pass through the centre of Shawfair connecting residents to the heart of the city centre in minutes.

In addition to the residential offering, which will alleviate some of the housing pressures faced in the future by both Midlothian and City of Edinburgh councils, Shawfair will provide two new primary schools for up to 800 pupils and a secondary school for 1200. The new residential quarter will also offer a mix of retail space including a supermarket and generous town centre.

As part of the overall vision for this 15 year+ project, Shawfair LLP intends to deliver a world leading efficient and intelligent provision of utilities to the development. It aims to identify innovative, but cost-effective solutions providing homes and businesses with low cost heat and power, as well as minimising the environmental impact of the new community’s lifestyle requirements.

The project will provide a net economic output of around *£32.2 million per annum during development and £99.9 million per annum thereafter.

Speaking at the event, Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, MSP praised the project for the positive economic impact Shawfair will bring to the area and beyond.

Commenting she said: “The Scottish Government is committed to doing all that we can to support infrastructure investment and I am pleased to be here today to launch the Shawfair development. The venture will boost local employment, create jobs, support skills development and strengthen Scotland’s infrastructure. The fact that it will be accessible as part of the Borders Rail route will make the project even more attractive.

“Shawfair is an impressive development with significant benefits to the local economy and community. Creating nearly 1000 full time jobs during the construction phase and over 4,000 upon completion, this project will provide countless opportunities, not only for the young apprentices joining us here today, but for those of the future.”

The joint venture partners have worked closely with Midlothian and City of Edinburgh councils to ensure the vision became a reality and today’s announcement takes the project one step closer to the first phase of construction commencing later this year. Shawfair is designed to provide a range of modern homes to meet the lifestyle needs of young professionals and families in the area over the next 20 years.

Andrew Mickel, Shawfair LLP said, “The Shawfair project has long been in development. Our vision is to build a new self –sufficient community supported by a vibrant town centre with public amenities such as schools and a healthcare centre, transforming the area. We look forward to working closely with local Councillors and the community to deliver a modern town suited to the needs of the people of Edinburgh and Midlothian.”

Cllr Owen Thompson, leader, Midlothian Council, said: “As a council we have been very supportive of the Shawfair vision and look forward to it becoming a reality. As well as housing, this development will have a considerable number of amenities and facilities which will make it a great place to live.”

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Notes to editors

*Source: Ironside Farrar Environmental Statement, Planning Submission documentation, Socio economic impact assessment.

About Buccleuch Property

Buccleuch Property has a market exposure of circa £350m through a UK-wide investment portfolio, a range of development sites with a pipeline in excess of 2 million sq ft, and a series of strategic joint ventures including:

• Native Land is a specialist residential developer in Prime Central London
• Queensberry Properties develops housing in the Central Belt and Borders of Scotland
• Longrose Buccleuch invests in and manages hotels throughout the UK
• A strategic partnership with Audley Retirement, a leading provider of high quality accommodation and care for older people, to develop the concept in Scotland

In addition, the business also has a portfolio of strategic land opportunities together with joint ventures in the US and Germany.

About Mactaggart & Mickel

Mactaggart & Mickel Homes has been building family homes in Scotland since 1925.With developments across Scotland in prime locations in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Ayrshire, the fourth generation family business is renowned for its quality and service. Part of Mactaggart & Mickel Group, it draws on the capabilities of the company’s Commercial Property, Timber Systems, Contracts and Strategic Land divisions to deliver large scale residential and commercial developments.

Media enquiries

Jenny Stewart/Claire Lennon at Stripe Communications on 0131 561 8628, or shawfair@stripecommunications.com