Cameron toll stakeholder & consultation event briefing
This briefing gives local stakeholders and those attending the event some additional background information regarding the redevelopment proposals, the reasons behind the proposals and answers some of the key questions already asked.
We’ve been delighted at the response to the first consultation and to know how important and valued Cameron Toll is to local residents. We’re delighted that it is so valued, but we also feel we need to explain why things need to change.
FAQs
Why are the Proposals Being Brought Forward?
As we explain on the exhibition boards, Cameron Toll is a development of its time. The aged building and changing shopper patterns create a twin threat to the centre’s future. Firstly, the costs of operating an old building where much of the plant and infrastructure is near the end of its lifespan are increasing all the time. Secondly, we’ve managed to keep the centre vibrant against the odds but that’s becoming increasingly challenging. Put bluntly, the costs have risen sharply, and rental income has not kept pace. The most recent figures show that in the last two full years 91 retailers have failed, affecting over 10,000 stores in the UK. Cameron Toll has been directly impacted by these changes and needs to change if it is to continue as a thriving neighbourhood centre.
Will Sainsbury’s Close during Construction?
No, the plans are being carefully designed to retain Sainsbury’s as the key anchor tenant, and we hope to carry out the work in a way that retains all operators that want to continue to trade at Cameron Toll. The volume of retail available will not change, but the aim of this development is to increase the quality and range of facilities on offer and protect the future viability of the centre. Failure to invest could have a significant negative impact of the quality of Cameron Toll for shoppers and businesses alike.
Why is Housing and Student Housing Planned?
The redevelopment of Cameron Toll needs significant investment. That investment cannot be secured simply by delivering new or replacement shops. We know that there is a ‘Housing Emergency’ and that there is significant demand for housing. The report published by Edinburgh’s universities highlights the need for student accommodation.
Affordable housing, build-to-rent, homes for sale, and senior living accommodation is being proposed under the masterplan proposals in addition to student accommodation. The different types of housing in an attractive environment will also create additional customers for Cameron Toll, which makes the investment in better shopping and leisure facilities more viable.
Why is the Development so High?
Two reasons. Firstly, we know that the council’s City Plan 2030 encourages ‘brownfield’ development as a mean to protect the ‘Greenbelt’ and green spaces from development. Cameron Toll is a ‘brownfield site’. The City Plan also encourages increased density of development in the city. Recent unanimous approvals of housing in Leith and on the site of the former ‘SAICA’ factory at Maybury have shown how more dense development can be delivered successfully in Edinburgh. Other major sites being progressed at Seafield and in west Edinburgh contain more density in line with the council’s City Plan. Secondly, by creating new housing facilities, it makes investment in improving the shopping and leisure facilities at Cameron Toll viable. A lower density development reduces the ability to deliver a high-quality neighbourhood with a quality shopping offer.
Why is the Braid Burn not being fully daylighted?
We’ve looked at the possibility of fully daylighting the Braid Burn, but it would involve redirecting the burn into Inch Park and that could impact on trees there and possibly on the sports pitches too. We’ve kept the burn within the limits of Cameron Toll and opened it up as much as possible within the proposals.
What are the Next Steps?
The results of this public consultation and meetings that we plan to have with stakeholder groups in March and April will help inform the next steps. Ideally there will be a planning application submitted later in the year, but that will depend on a number of factors. We intend to keep the local community informed throughout the development process. All the responses to the consultation will help inform the next steps and if you would like to be kept informed, please follow developments on the website or the Cameron Toll Facebook feed.