Leith Fort shortlisted for Scottish Home Award

Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) and the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) have been shortlisted for a Scottish Home Award for the new development at Leith Fort.

The ambitious development, including 94 affordable homes, is in the running to clinch the large affordable housing development of the year title.

The affordable homes, which are built on the former 18th century Leith Fort site, welcomed residents last year.

Sixty-two of the colony-style properties are owned by PoLHA for mid-market rent, with 32 units owned by the CEC for social rent.

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive at PoLHA, said:

“This is fantastic recognition for us and our partners, adding to the trio of finalist places we have already secured for Leith Fort in other industry awards. 

“We are very proud of Leith Fort which is providing many people with much needed high quality, affordable homes. It’s very rewarding to see this area restored to its former glory and to have created a neighbourhood where people want to live and to set down their roots.”

Councillor Kate Campbell, Housing and Economy Convener, said: 

“The council and Port of Leith Housing Association set out to deliver modern, affordable homes on the historic Leith Fort site, but the development has created so much more than housing. It has community spirit right at its heart, and it is great to see so many award nominations coming in.” 

Nicola McLachlan, Project Architect, Collective Architecture, said: 

“It has been a pleasure to work with Port of Leith Housing Association, the City of Edinburgh Council and the local residents within Leith. The project heralds an exciting time in Leith’s rich history and plays an important role in stitching the Fort back into the community – both physically and socially – and encourages positive interaction between neighbours. 

“It is wonderful to see that the residents are already making their own mark within the community and flourishing within their new homes.” 

The contractor for the development – CCG (Scotland) Ltd – delivered the project using innovative methods as well as providing various training and employment opportunities to the local community. CCG Chairman and CEO Alastair Wylie said:

“Leith Fort is not just a housing scheme. The development has literally broken down walls and created a more open community environment thanks to the construction – both in its form and the opportunities that were provided as a result of the works. It will ensure that the new residents, as well as the surrounding community, will benefit for a long time. We are extremely proud to have been part of such an important project.”

The £11.5 million housing development, which is co-owned by PoLHA and the City of Edinburgh Council CEC, was also shortlisted in the RICS, RIAS and Homes for Scotland Awards.