A proposed development of 950 homes on the western edge of Edinburgh has been likened to the brutal architecture of Communist Eastern Europe.
Architect 3DReid’s project would replace a disused paper factory close to the Gogarburn roundabout.
The scheme occupies a 6.3ha brownfield site and is backed by regeneration specialist Summix Capital. It is part of the ongoing development at Edinburgh Gateway, the site of the former Saica packaging plant. A 170-bed hotel is included in the plan.
However, the release of images has prompted widespread criticism on social media amid broader claims that new developments do not complement the city’s graceful historic architecture.
Designs in Scotland also contrast with more elegant new buildings on the continent, particularly in France and Germany.
One commentator described the Gateway scheme as being “like Plattenbau in East Berlin”, while another lamented that there was “a global movement towards this gulag style in architecture.”
Peter Lederer, former managing director and chairman of Gleneagles Hotel added that it was “lazy, cheap architecture”. Social media specialist Fin Wycherley said: “Looks like we’re moving more and more into a prison state.” Company director Greville Warwick described the scheme as: “Featureless Square blocks. A form of Lego architecture.”
Ian Tyler, an independent chair, non-executive director and senior adviser, said: “I suspect that even battery hens would refuse those lodgings!
“This ‘ugliness’ disease is not just an Edinburgh disease but across the whole of the UK. Architects seem to have lost all sense of beauty.”
John Brown, a retired chartered surveyor and planner, agreed that the current architectural style of flats being built around Edinburgh was “truly disappointing with similarities to East European blocks built under communist regimes.”
He added that to achieve density and increase sales, house builders now have a “limited architecture palette. The blocks built at Cammo and at South Queensferry at Builyeon Road are bland flat-roofed, boring examples.
“Looking at the West NewTown master plan for the massive development near the airport more of this block massing is planned.
“It’s not difficult to add details in the brickwork for some contrast between buildings. The blocks seen when coming into Edinburgh from Fife now built at South Queensferry look really bland, and have no presence. The flat roof craze is the reason, adding that additional floor and no pitched roofs.”
The development team behind the Gateway plan say a new network of streets and public spaces would “integrate seamlessly with the surrounding area, creating inviting routes and meaningful connections for both existing and future residents”.
Summix Capital development director Stuart Black said the scheme represented “a significant investment in the capital.”
He added: “Our exciting proposals provide a unique opportunity to redevelop one of the last major pieces of brownfield land in the city into a brand-new, sustainable mixed-use community, supporting the tackling of the housing emergency.
“This will ensure that Edinburgh Gateway fulfils our vision to be one of the most exciting and best-connected development sites in Scotland.
“The planning application follows extensive engagement with the local community, and we would like to thank individuals for taking the time to provide highly valued comments and feedback.”
A spokesman for Summix and 3D Reid said they did not want to comment on the criticism on social media.
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