Investor acquires Leith site to build student flats
Investor and developer Firethorn Trust has acquired a site in Leith to create purpose built student accommodation.
Operating under its Firethorn Living platform, the company plans to develop accommodation for 230 students – along with gym, common rooms and study spaces – in a highquality, sustainable design.
Forming part of the Leith Walk regeneration scheme promoted by Calder Weir Properties, part of the site was purchased with planning permission to create a purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) block and three commercial units.
The design specification for the sixstory building, enhanced by Firethorn’s innovative use of AI technology, will feature sustainable elements to meet
BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A’ ratings, including photovoltaic (PV) panels. The wider Leith Walk development has planning permission for two fivestorey residential units that will provide a mix of buildto-rent (BTR) and affordable housing. The owner has engaged Firethorn Living along with Calder Weir Properties to assist with the delivery of these residential units. This is the first deal for Firethorn under its Living platform, which was
launched in 2023 following the appointment of Marcus Weeks as Director and Head of Living.
Mr Weeks, who has more than a decade of experience in acquiring and developing PBSA assets, said: “Previously an underutilised brownfield site, the scheme is located in an area that continues to be the focus of major investment, driven by the recent opening of an adjacent tram line, which has significantly enhanced connectivity to the centre of Edinburgh.
"We look forward to expanding our portfolio with future acquisitions.”
Work on site is expected to commence in the summer and scheduled for completion in the 2026/27 year.
www.firethorntrust.com