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The Herald Scotland

Make room for a lux lifestyle in vibrant Leith with PLATFORM_ rentals

John Thomson, General Manager of the purpose-built and recently completed PLATFORM_ development in the Leith area of Edinburgh, believes this landmark site, which is unrivalled in the BTR sector in Scotland, is a true game-changer. This brand-new residential building provides 464 new homes in a mix of studio, one, two and three-bedroomed apartments across three residential blocks, including 116 Intermediate Market Rent apartments. The setting on the Water of Leith (formerly a John Lewis depot) is a triumph and gives residents a choice of great outdoor spaces and homes within a short walking distance of this cool neighbourhood's many historic and cultural attractions, including The Shore, shops, nurseries, schools, parks, fine dining restaurants (some Michelin rated), bars, and easy transport links. What also sets this long-term orientated development apart from the rest is the concept behind it: PLATFORM_'s model is centred on simplifying and enriching people's lives by supplying high-quality homes that focus on residents' wellbeing and can change as life moves on. A refreshingly new take on renting, it offers security and longevity for as long as you want (ensuring continuity for children's education), but also freedom, as residents benefit from smart technology with keyless access, superfast fibre broadband, and on-site customer service and maintenance teams. (Image: Edmund Dabney) More remarkable is the range of amenities included in the rent at no extra cost- a fully equipped gym and spin studio, tranquil yoga room, children's soft play area, bookable screening room, a sun lounge, a private dining room, co-working spaces, secure automated 24-hour parcel room (never miss a parcel again), vast outdoor communal area for socialising (enhanced by proximity to The Biscuit Factory), three communal roof terraces with views to the castle and Arthur's Seat, three guest suites perfect for when your friends or family visit, and EV charging stations. With all these timesaving and lifestyle-enhancing amenities on-site, welcome to renting reimagined. The apartments are equally impressive. Focused on sustainability and characterised by cool, pared-back Scandi-style, all-electric apartments (some with balconies) feature open plan living with full-height windows, wood floors, neutral décor, high-spec bathrooms and kitchens, the latter with appliances and granite work surfaces, and a vast choice of sizes and floorplans, available furnished or unfurnished and are also pet friendly. THE PRICE IS RIGHT OFFERING studios from £1,570 pcm, to three-beds from £2,345 pcm — these prices include far more than just a beautifully designed home. With exclusive access to high-quality amenities like co-working spaces, gym/yoga/spinning studios, private dining areas, and more all wrapped into the rent, residents enjoy a lifestyle that would cost more if paid for separately. 'Seeing is the key,' says Thomson. 'These homes are so far removed from the average person's perception of rented accommodation that a visit is the only way to fully appreciate the living experience they offer.' Build-to-rent is still in its infancy and only accounts for around two per cent of the UK's total private rental accommodation, leaving enormous room for growth as it aspires to be part of the solution to the UK's ongoing housing crisis. Initially synonymous with city apartments aimed at students and young business professionals, the BTR model is constantly evolving and innovating to encompass a broad range of housing solutions, including mid-market schemes and homes aimed at families and older renters. The sector is predicted to double in size within the next five years and expand into new areas to deliver high-quality homes where demand is most acute. (Image: Edmund Dabney) 'Our demographic in Leith spans a broad spectrum, from business professionals to families with children and retirees who choose to live in a lively, all-ages community as opposed to an age-specific one,' says Thomson. 'Leith is such a vibrant neighbourhood with so many excellent amenities, schools, and other attractions – it's an ideal lifestyle location for all ages and PLATFORM_'s homes offer a unique housing option in a city where the provision of quality rentals is limited. 'PLATFORM_ in Edinburgh's focus is the resident experience, and our on-site teams continually monitor feedback and comments and encourage residents to integrate, socialise, and utilise the outdoor space we have here for events and activities. The gym is a huge attraction,' he adds, 'but we also have 'fitness on demand', classes, and a tie-in with a personal trainer – all at no cost to residents.' Looking to the future, Thomson is keen to install beehives on the roof. 'This could be a great opportunity to involve schools and the local community,' he says. Given everything else that PLATFORM_ has here, home-grown honey could be the ultimate sweetener. Interested to find out more? Call 0131 322 6495 or visit to book your viewing