Edinburgh council has agreed a planning application for the first phase of the £1.3bn regeneration project to transform Granton Waterfront.

The decision gives the green light for 847 ‘net zero ready’ homes to be built in partnership with Cruden Homes on the city’s largest brownfield site.

The new development will also provide capacity for a new primary school and a low carbon heat network. There will also be commercial units, active travel routes and other sustainable transport infrastructure as well as attractive public and open space.

The first phase of regeneration in Granton Waterfront will be delivered from 2025 to 2032.

At the heart of the development of Edinburgh’s coastline sits the Granton Gasholder now known as ‘Gas Holder 1’.

A new public park is almost complete within its frame and as the scaffolding has been removed following restoration making it a spectacular focal point in the area. Another historic building, the former Granton Station, has been refurbished and it now has its own square.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “This is a welcome news for Edinburgh as we can now continue our exciting plans to transform the north of the city into a thriving environmentally friendly new neighbourhood which people will want to call home, work in and visit. I’m really excited to see this milestone achieved, as we are one step closer to delivering a first phase of regeneration in Granton Waterfront.”

Fraser Lynes, Managing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “This development represents a significant leap toward meeting Scotland’s growing demand for high-quality, energy-efficient housing of all tenures, and the planning outcome marks a major milestone for the project.

“In partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, our work at Granton Waterfront will deliver a diverse range of sustainable new homes designed to meet the community’s evolving needs. By pioneering innovative net-zero solutions, Granton Waterfront is set to become a model for future housing developments across Scotland.

“At Cruden, we’re proud of our long history of building more than just homes; we’re fostering vibrant communities built to endure and flourish, setting a new standard for housing that truly serves both people and the environment.”