Bonnington Mill, Edinburgh

The planning application for the development was submitted in March 2017, following an extensive pre-application consultation process where local residents, businesses and Leith Central Community School were contacted. Planning permission was received in February 2019.

The site, previously used as a paper mill, is located in Bonnington, a formerly industrial area which has gradually been transformed to residential use during the past ten years. One of the clients’ priorities was to retain the original industrial heritage of the site. The architects and main contractors achieved this by using traditional and contemporary materials, including mineral fibre cladding and facing brick. Mineral fibre cladding was selected as it is an easy to work with and easy to maintain sustainable product that provides a striking contrast to the texture of the facing bricks. In this particular project, the colour of the materials was carefully considered to produce three buildings that blend smoothly into the landscape, whilst achieving the industrial heritage aesthetic desired.

Completed in 2021, the scheme comprised the demolition of all existing commercial buildings and the erection of 36 residential flats for private sale and 13 affordable apartments. The development provides its residents with a landscaped courtyard in the centre of the site and private balconies and terraces overlooking the river that help integrate the new buildings into the peaceful waterfront setting. The new development positively contributes to the regeneration of the area by creating a flourishing new community for future residents, whilst preserving the industrial heritage of the site.

Since its completion, the development has been recognised for its success as an Apartment Development of the Year award winner by the Scottish Home Awards 2021.

For more information on mineral fibre cladding, click here.

For more information on facing bricks, click here.