Leith Waterfront

Leith Western Harbour and Leith Docks

The Leith Waterfront includes the Leith Western Harbour (between Ocean Terminal and Newhaven) the remainder of Leith Docks running south from Ocean Terminal to Seafield (Leith Docks Development Framework area). It is the largest brownfield development opportunity in Edinburgh. Over the next 20 years it will make a significant contribution to the expansion of Edinburgh.

What's Planned?

The Leith Waterfront comprises 372 acres of developable land owned by Forth Ports in two distinct development areas. For further information visit the Forth Ports Website.

Western Harbour

Up to 3,000 residential units are planned in the Western Harbour. 18% of 2412 of these units will be affordable, representing 434 affordable homes. Commercial and retail space along with leisure use including parkland is also planned.

Planning consent has been granted for over 1,000 of the residential units for private sale. A planning application for 102 of these affordable homes has been submitted by Port of Leith Housing Association. For further information, please contact the Port of Leith Housing Association on 0131 554 0304.

Leith Docks Development Framework (LDDF) area

The Leith Docks Development Framework will provide up to 18,000 residential units. A requirement for 25% affordable housing has been set which equates to up to 4,500 affordable homes. This should include up to 1350 affordable family dwellings. Commercial and retail space along with leisure facilities, schools, hotels and cultural attractions is also planned. It is anticipated that employment for 14-17000 people will be created and that an integrated public transport system including the tram will serve the area.

Between these two areas, we estimate that there will be approximately 21,000 houses built over the next 15-20 years. The total numbers of houses are likely to change over time as developers amend their proposals to reflect what house types they think will sell. That affects densities and, in turn, numbers. Up to 5,000 units will be affordable housing. Most of it (70%) will be social rented housing. Information on types of affordable housing can be found in the Affordable Housing Policy.

Additional information on the development of leith docks is available on the Leith Docks website.