Robert Adam Architects have now received outline planning permission for the extensive dock and waterfront redevelopment at Western Harbour, on Edinburgh’s north shore. Previously Edinburgh’s main port, emphasis has now shifted towards regeneration and Robert Adam Architects were asked by Forth Ports Developments Limited to design a masterplan that would direct the future development of the 32-hectare/80 acre landfill site. The detailed design brief was passed by City of Edinburgh Council on 8th September, and was welcomed enthusiastically as innovative and refreshing in its approach. The brief sets out the general urban design principles of the development of 3000 units, 50,000m² of offices, 10,000m² of public buildings and a new school and Supermarket, with a central park at its core.

The masterplan was designed according to the latest thinking on urban design, promoted in the USA as New Urbanism and in Europe by the Council for European Urbanism. This is an approach to planning that recognises the value of traditional patterns of building and places emphasis on the creation of desirable places. Building groups within the masterplan are mixed use and of varied scale and character, encouraging pedestrian street life throughout the whole day and ensuring a sense of welcome and safety. Urban spaces are similarly well enclosed and are located within a varied network of easily negotiable inner streets, squares and lanes that radiate to the waterside. To encourage long-term occupancy, the settlement will include 152 houses with gardens and 434 affordable and key worker units.

Framework documents and accompanying descriptions written by Robert Adam Architects have been also been approved. These documents set out parameters or codes for the character and design of the public realm and will be vital as the next stage of implementation by individual developers takes place. Edinburgh architects including Richard Murphy, Alan Murray, Smith Scott Mullan and Nicholas Groves-Raines have signed up to design buildings according to the design Codes and this list will be gradually expanded. The codes will be enforced by Forth Ports and the local planning department. Importantly, all buildings will be constructed in local materials and designed with reference to the local building character, avoiding the development looking and feeling as though it could be anywhere.

The design establishes a clear and positive urban vision for the future of Western Harbour, using traditional planning methods to meet modern needs and aspirations. The masterplan will create a place with an identity specific to the immediate locality, with the potential to enhance the urban life of the area.