Scotmid Co-operative partner with Scottish-based developer and operator Structured House Group
Scotmid Co-operative and developer and operator Structured House Group have jointly submitted a planning application for a mixed-use proposal for the site of the existing Scotmid store at 236 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh.
Plans include a community convenience food store which Scotmid will continue to operate and 152 student apartments and management suite to be operated on an ongoing basis by Structured House Group’s in-house property management-arm, BOHO.
The Scotmid store will have a fully glazed frontage and the sales area will have a modern feel. It will incorporate new state-of-the-art refrigeration cabinets run on CO2 refrigerant, the latest energy-saving technologies, as well as a new style counter arrangement which will include an expanded range of Food to Go products.
The managed student accommodation will include a mixture of studio and cluster type apartments and all will be equipped with en suites as well as a laundry, 100% cycle storage, and amenity space.
Manson Architects has worked closely with the applicants to develop a mixed-use proposal to give the heart of Gorgie a new and refreshing development that will provide a boost to the local area.
The proposed development is scheduled to be completed by 2020 however it is hoped the new Scotmid store will be open and trading before the end of 2019 so that it can continue to serve the community.
While the development work is carried out, Scotmid staff at Gorgie Road will be reassigned to neighbouring stores.
Maurissa Fergusson, Scotmid’s Head of Property and Facilities, said: “We are extremely excited about the submission of our plans for the redevelopment of our Gorgie Road store and the prospect of working alongside Structured House Group.
“The new-look store will be state-of-the-art with an emphasis on being as environmentally friendly as possible and it will continue to be an asset to the local area – providing an essential service to residents in Gorgie.
“As a co-operative, our core purpose is to serve our communities and improve people’s everyday lives and this planned redevelopment fits with those values.
“We believe the introduction of student accommodation will also have a positive impact on the local economy and rejuvenate the site on Gorgie Road.”
Craig Inglis, SHG’s Chief Executive, said: This is a major development for Scotmid and we are proud to forge a partnership with a co-operative that has strong values and a history of supporting its local communities. Bringing local amenities together with student accommodation will further strengthen our offering for students in the area and bring a significant boost to the local economy. Our in-house management company BOHO will be looking after the property and residents, making sure there is local integration and we look forward to being a part of a thriving community.”
A Proposal of Application Notice (PoAN) was lodged to City of Edinburgh Council in late February and a public consultation event was held at Tynecastle Stadium over two days at the end of March, which members of the local community attended.
In addition to the public consultation, the applicants consulted with Gorgie/Dalry Community Council, City of Edinburgh Council, Police Scotland, Health and Safety Executive, Edinburgh Urban Design Panel, and Councillors Graczyk and Fullerton to ensure the proposals took into consideration stakeholders’ views.
Next year will be Scotmid’s 160-year anniversary and coincidentally the Society’s first-ever store opened just two miles away from Gorgie in nearby Fountainbridge.
Maurissa added: “It is fitting that while we celebrate our past, Scotmid will also be looking to the future and planning to build a new-look store not far from where it all started 160 years ago; it is a fantastic way to mark our anniversary.”
Residents will be able to view the plans via the Edinburgh Council website
Image: CGI image of proposed Gorgie Road redevelopment