The project is expected for completion in 2013 by which time, there will be 650 new homes consisting of five and six storey terraces and blocks running along tree-lined boulevards. The plan includes a public park and central courtyards designed to draw people into Springside to ensure it does not become isolated from the rest of the city. There will also be 140,000 square feet of office space, an artisan workshop, supermarket, shops and underground car park.

Unlike the majority of recent new build developments in Edinburgh, Springside will be a mixture of sizes and styles ranging from studio flats to three bedroom duplex family homes with gardens. Although work has begun, the first homes are not anticipated to be released for sale until early 2010.

Sir Sean Connery who spent the first eight years of his life living in the area has given the development his blessing; “I am pleased that now, at last, the walls are coming down and the area will be opened up to be part of the city. I hope that the better housing and open spaces vastly improve the general quality of life there – and give the surrounding community, and the rest of the city, a local neighbourhood it deserves and can be proud of.”

Source:  www.springside.co.uk & www.timesonline.co.uk

Originally founded in 1726 as the Hospital for the Sick Poor, the Physicians’ Hospital or Little House, the Royal Infirmary has always been one of Scotland’s most famous and prestigious hospitals, a reputation that has not diminished following its re-location to the south-east outskirts of the city.

The buildings that are to remain as part of the Quartermile development were commissioned in 1872 to the architect David Bryce. Influenced heavily by the Florence Nightingale’s model of a ‘pavilion’ based hospital, the Infirmary was described as ‘probably the best planned hospital’ in the whole of Britain after its completion in 1879. The imposing 18th century clock tower and turrets, which are currently in the process of being fully restored, will be a no doubt be a particularly attractive feature for people interested in purchasing property within the new development.

The location of Quartermile is really on a par of its own. Bordered by the Meadows, the site is within walking distance to Edinburgh’s business districts, universities, courts and leisure facilities, perfectly placed for living, working and relaxing. It also has the advantage of being situated within the city’s picturesque Old Town, which acts as a focal point during the Festival in August, drawing thousands of tourists from all over the world every year.

All apartments at Quartermile will be managed 7 days a week, something that will include a 24 hour central help desk, lift maintenance, gardening, window cleaning and secure underground parking.

Talking to Phil Myerscough, MD of BL Developments, he revealed that there will be more than 350 properties available on completion in 2008, 2009 and 2010. These will range from 1 to 4 bedroom homes, which will include the single dwelling starter flat right the way through to 3 bedroom family homes with gardens, and 4 bedroom townhouses. Some of these flats will also have the added feature of a balcony ‘winter garden’, an innovation which, despite being popular on the continent, remains somewhat of a rarity in Scotland.

The ground level of the development will be a pedestrian and cycle only zone that will include lots of greenery and various cafes and bistros. ‘There will be a number of public spaces within the development. We are hoping that this will create a ‘café culture’ type of environment’ commented Mr Myerscough. All properties will also include secure underground parking, something that will no doubt be of huge benefit considering Edinburgh’s stringent parking regulations!

For more information on Shrub Hill please visit

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