This masterplan involves the creation of a new, varied urban development at Granton Harbour, near Edinburgh. The development will be predominantly residential providing 473 new family houses, a series of public parks spaces and retail areas, all located within the existing harbour wall, along the Firth of Forth coastline.

The masterplan has been developed within the concept of a peninsula town that has seemingly developed over the centuries, through the needs of defence, road access to Edinburgh, and proximity to the water. Robert Adam Architects have created four new defined character areas broadly dividing the area into four new residential quarters or districts in the manner of a European walled city. These are the Old Quarter, New Quarter, Trading Quarter and Harbour Village. Each has its own clear identity, distinctive landmark buildings and a strong sense of place, making it easy for a person to identify their whereabouts within the larger framework. The remaining two areas across the centre of the masterplan are part of the existing masterplan by Cooper Cromar.

Within this framework, the main street plan follows a cruciform pattern, creating a mental map that is clear with a dense concentration of high quality buildings and spaces. Distributed throughout is a series of parks, providing enclosed, sheltered, safe and secure public spaces. Middle Pier, at the heart of the masterplan, will become an important open space and destination point. New robust buildings designed to compliment the working character of this historic pier will provide cafes, shops, restaurants, offices and boat facilities for the public.