Ex-rangers chief’s goal to build £450m village moves step closer
PLANS by Sir David Murray’s company to create a £450 million village as part of a new “Garden District” on the outskirts of Edinburgh are to be examined by ministers.
The former Rangers chairman’s scheme is nearing an “important first phase” as it is set to go before Scottish ministers for scrutiny because of its scale.
If approved it will bring 1,350 homes and 150 permanent jobs under Murray Estates’ plans for investment in a new community called Redheughs Village.
Royal Bank of Scotland, which owns the adjacent Gogarburn Campus, has given its support to the development after Murray Estates agreed to minimise disruption to the 6,000 staff who work at the bank’s HQ.
Malcolm Buchanan, chairman of RBS in Scotland, said: “We have held constructive discussions with Murray Capital Group and are delighted it is committed to ensuring disruption to our HQ is kept to an absolute minimum.”
The assurances pave the way for ministers to consider a proposal that carries the substantial support of councillors and is set to deliver up to homes of various types, including 330 “affordable” homes.
The proposal includes plans for schools and a 40-acre park, as well as analysis on flood prevention, traffic and public transport. It also includes a community hub, shopping centre, sports facilities and green space. Murray Estates has also been in talks with environment advisers in an attempt to meet Government requirements.
Sir David’s son, also David, is managing director of Murray Capital Group, parent company of Murray Estates. He said: “The city economy desperately needs a good mixture of quality housing that is well connected to Edinburgh’s growing transport infrastructure, including the new Edinburgh Gateway Station.”
He added: “We have worked closely with organisations neighbouring the development, not least Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture and Royal Bank of Scotland, and are now delighted to have secured their support.”
The project has been going through the planning process since 2015, and Edinburgh City Council gave planning permission in principle for the development in 2016.
The building of the village will also support 26 jobs in its first year, rising to 332 jobs by the height of the eight-year building work.
The developer also said Redheughs Village would mean a link with many of the most deprived areas in Edinburgh which are on, or close to, city boundaries.
The Garden District, which it is hoped will deliver 3,500 homes in a £1billion, 20-year development, will be close to train, tram and bus links and t herefore well served in terms of public transport.
The city desperately needs a good mixture of quality housing