The £1.3 billion Granton Waterfront regeneration project in Edinburgh has secured government funding, marking a major step in transforming the city’s northern coastal area into a sustainable new district over the next 10 to 15 years.

The funding package includes support from the Scottish Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund and a Place Based Accelerator grant. This enables the first phase of the project to move forward, with construction expected to begin in early 2026 and final completion anticipated by 2033.

The regeneration will deliver around 3,500 new ‘net zero ready’ homes, including affordable housing, alongside new leisure, retail, and green spaces, and a new primary school. The restoration and adaptive reuse of historic industrial buildings, including the iconic Granton Gas Holder, are central to the plan. The development will contribute to Edinburgh’s net zero ambitions through energy-efficient buildings, sustainable transport links, and climate adaptation measures.

The project is designed to benefit north Edinburgh communities by improving health and wellbeing, expanding educational opportunities, and supporting local employment. It will create apprenticeships, strengthen the local supply chain, and provide support for community organisations tackling child poverty and social disadvantage. The scheme is also expected to attract significant private sector investment, with total investment projected between £1.2 billion and £1.3 billion.

Up to £42 million of government funding will support Scotland’s largest low carbon housing development as part of the first phase. The Place Based Accelerator grant introduces an outcomes-based model of financing, linking funding to improvements in health, wellbeing, and economic development for local residents.

The first phase of the project, pending full council approval, will deliver over 700 energy-efficient homes and new business and creative spaces, with further phases to follow.

Government funding acts as a catalyst for Edinburgh’s most ambitious regeneration project to date, focusing on sustainable housing, community benefit, and inclusive economic growth for Granton and north Edinburgh.