Old Tynecastle High Redevelopment

Cockburn Response

This is a significant, well-connected yet potentially challenging site in relation to its location next to a distillery, stadium, and the Western Approach Road. In particular, the proximity of the distillery and road raises substantial design questions regarding the site’s environmental quality and amenity for future residents. However, the successful redevelopment of this site would bring it back into active use and contribute to the neighbouring community.  In such a congested part of the city this is an ideal location for a car free development although the sites potential impact on public and active travel provision will also require assessment. The active interest of the local community in the future of this site is of note.

It is acknowledged that this will be challenging site to develop given the many site constraints. Nevertheless, this is a large site which has the potential to actively engage with the surrounding residential community in several ways. This should not be developed, in any sense, as a gated community. Residents from the surrounding community should be able to access new open space/ greenspace recreational opportunities on the site. The access to green and open spaces is also seen as a priority by many as part of the Covid 19 recovery. The potential to develop the site for a range of land uses and public access to the courtyard and to the site more generally should be advised by local feedback and community aspirations for the site and the city’s 2030 climate change and climate adaptation agenda.

The retention of the B listed main school building is welcomed although the potential demolition of the workshop block, which pre-dates the school and is of some historic significance,  and of the janitor’s house is of concern. These demolitions need to be fully justified and should be reconsidered in the context of the historical development of the site and their relevance to the history of the local community past, present and future.  The repurposing of retained buildings and any facade alterations should also respect the historical character of the buildings and site.

This may be an appropriate site for student accommodation development. However, the local community’s interest in the potential of the site for multigenerational and co-housing buildings, should also be considered as part of this development. This would energise and diversity the site and contribute to the provision of more local social housing and affordable housing.

In addition, a thorough assessment of the current and consented student developments in the neighbouring locality is required before any further student accommodation can be considered. Over provision of student accommodation in any single locality or community in the city runs a concomitant rise of undermining the social and community fabric of that community.  If this development represents over provision of student accommodation in this community, then the opportunity to provide a mix of uses, including business and community use, which could assist with integrating the site into the community should be reassessed.

In addition, a thorough assessment of the current and consented student developments in the neighbouring locality is required before any further student accommodation can be considered. Over provision of student accommodation in any single locality or community in the city runs a concomitant rise of undermining the social and community fabric of that community.  If this development represents over provision of student accommodation in this community, then the opportunity to provide a mix of uses, including business and community use, which could assist with integrating the site into the community should be reassessed.