Developers must listen to needs of communities
This year has taught us many things – most of them characterforming, as my mother was fond of saying – but one genuinely good thing to have emerged from this pandemic is the curative power of communities to care for each other.
We have most of us become more neighbourly in the face of restrictions, conscious that when the Covid chips are down, the strongest communities are the ones that stick together.
Housebuilders and developers are already recognising this societal shift, taking note of what is newly important to homebuyers, and making plans accordingly.
Our emerging new town of Shawfair in Midlothian, bordered by the Edinburgh City Bypass near Sheriffhall roundabout, is ticking many boxes in this regard, and indeed we are already seeing an upturn in interest from people keen to move out of the cities, no longer anchored by the daily commute.
They are attracted by Shawfair’s extensive green space, sustainable living – we have zero carbon ambitions – and a more active, outdoor-focused lifestyle with several active travel opportunities including eight miles of cycle paths. And there’s lots nearby too. The Firth of Forth coastline with wonderful beaches is just four miles away and, in the other direction, the award-winning Dalkeith Country Park is a huge draw for families craving quality outside time.
In Shawfair town centre, plans are progressing for the new community campus – primary and secondary schooling blended with health, community and sports facilities. The campus is destined to become a linchpin for the town, creating high footfall plus attractive retail, commercial and residential properties around and about.
And to the north east of the site, bordering on The Wisp, a new development of attractive homes has recently been granted planning permission, linking naturally to neighbouring Danderhall.
We are proud of what we have achieved, but it’s not the magic ingredient. It is the blossoming community that will provide the heart and soul of Shawfair.
As the developer we recognise that we need to take the lead. We are already working to bring people together – virtually for the moment but physically when possible – and that means devoting resources to forge and maintain relationships. And, like any successful relationship, that takes two to tango, with both developer and community listening, compromising and, ultimately, working together towards a common goal.
We’re supporting the community in practical ways, for example, donating a marquee for use by the community during summer events etc.
And last Christmas, when public events could still be held, we provided financial and organisational support for Shawfair’s first official public event, the switching-on of the Christmas lights at The Old Colliery family restaurant.
2021 should see further initiatives take root, projects that will help strengthen Shawfair as a living, breathing, sustainable community, one that welcomes new residents as warmly as it embraces the wisdom and stories of those who have lived in the area for decades.
And, even better, I see this happening all around, with enlightened developers really listening to the communities where they have a presence. Power to the people? Most definitely yes and we are, collectively, all the better for that.
Nick Waugh, director, Shawfair LLP