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Masterplan

Caltongate Masterplan
The Caltongate Masterplan sets out the Council’s approved vision for the area. The City of Edinburgh Council’s Planning Committee unanimously approved the Masterplan on 5 October 2006.

The Old Town has the potential to be a varied and vital part of the city, which supports a wide-ranging mix of uses and activities, but this is not reflected in the area as it currently exists.  The Caltongate Masterplan proposes to regenerate the area, helping it to fulfill its potential.  The proposals include:

City Centre Regeneration
The Caltongate scheme will regenerate a large and strategically important area of central Edinburgh.  It will bring a range of economic and social benefits to the local community and Edinburgh as a whole: 

Jobs
Up to 1,500 permanent jobs will be created within the hotel, retail/commercial space and offices. A further 1500 jobs will be created during the construction period.

Housing
200 units of private and affordable housing will accommodate up to 600 people.  The housing mix will include 25% affordable units and offer a range of house types from 1 to 4 beds.

Tourism
The new purpose built 5 star hotel will be able to accommodate up to 160,000 visitors a year, will be the second biggest conference centre after the EICC, providing a significant boost for Edinburgh’s economy. Current hotel occupancy and yield is very strong in Edinburgh with occupation rates running at around 80% on average over a calendar year. It is acknowledged by Visit Scotland that if we are to capitalise on efforts to grow revenue from tourism we will require additional hotel bed stock, especially at the higher end of the market.

New Shops
The scheme will provide a range of new shops for local people, including a food store, as well as quality café’s and restaurants.

Public Spaces
A new public square will attract people to the area and open up views to Calton Hill.  There will also be improvements to East Market Street streetscape.

Arts
The scheme will aim to retain and attract artists to the area by opening up the East Market Street arches for use as studios, craft shops and gallery space.

Community Facilities
A community facility will be provided for the benefit of local residents and local people will decide how it is used.