Inside £69m plans to transform ‘neglected' Trainspotting tower blocks
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PLANS to transform a tower block made famous by Trainspotting have taken a major step forward, with a planning application being submitted by architects.
The iconic Cables Wynd House and Linksview House in Leith, made famous as Sick Boy's home in the cult classic, will see a £69 million investment to make the homes safer and more energy efficient if the plans get the green light.
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Major plans have been lodged to improve the iconic flats, which were built in the 1960s
Credit: Euan Cherry
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Cult classic film Trainspotting featured the 10-storey towers, which then went on to gain A-list status by heritage chiefs
Credit: Alamy
Built in the 1960s, the iconic 10-storey flats - known as the "Banana Flats" due to its distinctive curved design - have served generations of residents living in the 310 flats, the majority of which are owned by the Council for social rent.
Back in 2017, they were given A-list status by heritage chiefs, meaning they ranked as one of Scotland's finest structures alongside the likes of Stirling Castle, the Forth Road Bridge and the National Wallace Monument.
The huge proposals represent a significant investment in securing their future as safe, high-quality homes and is being driven by the need to meet the Scottish Government's Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing – EESSH2.
This will mean substantial upgrades to both the building fabric and mechanical systems for the buildings, and wider improvements in general by the council, in a bid to bring the buildings in line with modern new-build standards.
Key elements of the proposal include energy efficiency upgrades - including improved insulation, window replacements, and energy-efficient heating systems to meet EESSH2 standards - and fire safety enhancements including the installation of sprinkler systems, smoke ventilation, a new fire-fighting lift, and improved fire compartmentalisation in communal areas.
The removal of legacy bin chutes and inclusion of internal waste management facilities will also enhance the fire safety of the buildings.
Just last month, residents of Cables Wynd House - except for two households - were evacuated after a huge inferno engulfed and believed to have destroyed one flat.
Thankfully, nobody was injured in the blaze on June 6, which started around 11pm and saw nine fire crews in attendance.
Proposed plans to ensure the safety and security of residents are also mentioned, with upgraded internal and external lighting, CCTV and improved access control throughout the buildings.
The refurbishment project also presents a unique opportunity to reimagine the outdoor environment surrounding both towers, with new play areas, external seating and wildflower meadows being proposed, as well as the implementation of sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), and a full review of parking and waste facilities.
Fire crews rush to Leith banana flats as huge blaze engulfs Trainspotting tower block
Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron said: 'I am delighted that the proposals for the council's £69 million investment in Cables Wynd House and Linksview House have now been submitted to the CEC Planning Service, setting out our plans to make our residents' homes safer, more comfortable and more energy efficient.
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'Cables Wynd and Linksview House residents have long campaigned for this much needed and substantive investment in their homes to happen. Their influence and input into our consultation sessions have shaped these proposals and is hugely valued.
'I look forward to continuing this positive engagement with Cables Wynd and Linksview House residents and Leith Ward councillors as the project progresses.'
Carl Baker, an architect and certified Passivhaus designer for Collective Architecture, said: 'Collective Architecture is proud to be working with The City of Edinburgh Council on the retrofit of Cables Wynd House and Linksview House. Our proposals place residents at the heart of the process, aiming to provide greener, warmer homes, while celebrating and sensitively enhancing the unique character of the Category A listed buildings.
'As part of a just transition, our carefully considered interventions will improve the thermal and environmental performance of the iconic structures - boosting energy efficiency and alleviating the risk of fuel poverty.
'As with many of our projects, meaningful resident engagement has been central to the design process and will remain a key focus through the final design stage and into construction.'
Subject to planning approval, the council says it will continue to engage closely with residents throughout the design and construction process, ensuring their needs remain at the heart of the project.
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