Sight Scotland and property developer S Harrison Developments have collectively submitted a planning software for a £40m redevelopment of the positioning of the charity’s former headquarters on Gillespie Crescent in Edinburgh.

The funds launched by the sale of the positioning will allow Sight Scotland to develop its attain and assist extra individuals inside current providers such because the Royal Blind College in Edinburgh, in addition to increasing its capability to fund medical analysis into the causes of sight loss.

Sight Scotland occupied the constructing for almost a century however left the constructing in 2021 because it was not match for function. Employees have been relocated to open plan places of work in close by Gorgie, permitting them to work alongside the Scottish Braille Press Service.

The planning software proposes demolishing the vacant constructing and establishing purpose-built pupil lodging (PBSA) and related amenity area, landscaping and infrastructure. A complete of 145 bedrooms are proposed, with extra facilities together with a cinema/multimedia room and gymnasium.

Sustainability credentials embrace inexperienced roof, photo voltaic panels, air supply warmth pumps, a rain backyard and permeable paving.

A spokesperson for S Harrison Developments mentioned: “We’re in a housing disaster, with a necessity for every type of housing. Demand for pupil lodging tremendously outstrips provide, and that is putting important stress on conventional household housing inventory, with college students occupying properties that might in lots of circumstances have beforehand been occupied by households.

“This proposed growth on a brownfield website, if permitted, will reply to this growing demand, housing college students in a central location with quick access by energetic journey and public transport to universities and delivering important funding into the area people.”

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