A SHELTERED housing complex billed as "revolutionary" is being planned to kick-start the regeneration of an Edinburgh community.
Planning permission has been granted for the complex in the Royston area which will ultimately see 68 homes created.
City architects Smith Scott Mullan Associates, which is behind the project set to begin next spring, said it was far from the usua
l sheltered housing development.
"It will be a real focus for the community and the catalyst for regeneration in the area," said project director and architect Alistair Scott.
"It's a different kind of development. It will be right at the heart of Royston Wardieburn and a new experience for the residents."
Social spaces for the residents will be available at ground level and on the rooftop gardens, while a community cafe will provide opportunities for the residents to take guests and socialise with each other.
There will also be two lounge areas in the complex, which should take around two years to complete and will be inhabited by residents of Dunedin Canmore housing association.
Mr Scott added: "The development establishes a community by integrating various levels of support, as well as providing a cafe that will be open to visitors and social spaces at both garden and rooftop level.
"It represents an innovative approach to providing sheltered accommodation, and makes a strong contribution to the overall regeneration of the area, reinforcing the pattern of the surrounding streets by creating a small square, shared with existing housing.
"It means that when residents have visits from either their friends or family, they don't have to meet in a foyer or in the flat, they can go to a lounge area and look over the city or out to Fife, or they can go to the cafe within the complex as well."
The development will be based on Royston Mains Crescent on what is derelict land following the demolition of houses there.
It is the first in the city to be built under city council guidelines on sustainability and renewable energy, and will feature a combined heat and power system.
Forth councillor Elaine Morris said the new complex would be a great asset to the community.
"I think this will be a great addition to the Royston Wardieburn area and a key part of the redevelopment.
"It is an area that has lacked all the investment a vibrant community needs and this will help the residents and the wider community as a whole."
The full article contains 421 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
