Better access to new opportunities in employment, housing and social services, for the communities of North Edinburgh is a key theme of the Master Plan. In planning terms, positive social inclusion means:

• creating sustainable communities by offering the widest possible mix of housing forms and tenures, employment and commercial development and high-quality new amenities and services with good access by foot, cycle and public transport;
• reuniting communities with their Waterfront, creating strong links between communities and the main regeneration sites throughout Waterfront Granton;
• ensuring a high quality environment for the communities that will live and work in the area;
• providing a framework for the effective delivery of supporting programmes in such areas as training, local employment, affordable housing and social services;
• using the regeneration of Waterfront Granton as a means of stimulating revitalisation of existing communities to the south; and
• ensuring that each phase of development brings new opportunities for the communities of North Edinburgh.

Extensive discussions and consultations at local community level have taken place in generating this Master Plan.

Creating a Place

The Master Plan provides for:

• 5,000 to 6,500 new homes, including 20%-25% low-cost homes for sale and rent;
• 30 hectares (75 acres) of new public open space;
• world-class commercial and office developments;
• sites for light industry and workshop uses;
• two local centres – one on the Plateau and the second extending westwards from Granton Square;
• two primary schools;
• potential sites for university or college campuses;
• a marina and yachting destination in the Harbour;
• leisure and sports facilities;
• an enlarged Caroline Park and rejuvenated beach;
• an exposed and enhanced Granton Burn;
• a new network of public transport, cycling and pedestrian routes;
• plans for the National Museums of Scotland’s Research Centre to become a visitor attraction.