Council provides accommodation for expanding businesses in west Edinburgh

Growing small to medium sized businesses are benefiting from the development at East Hermiston Business Park in Sighthill, built using the Council’s Strategic Investment Fund. The fund was established in 2013 to help create new development opportunities, support business innovation, deliver jobs and promote economic growth in Edinburgh.

The development consists of small starter units totalling 1,600sqm (17,200 sq ft) of modern industrial space to meet increasing demand and a shortage of quality units in the city as well as giving the Council a new high-quality income generating asset. Research carried out by the Council identified an increasing shortage of good-quality industrial space in the city.

The development, which includes 16 fully let units, will generate a vital income to support Council services across the city.

The council said the site has excellent transport connectivity, lying within 500m of the City Bypass and within 100m of Edinburgh Park railway station and tram stop.

Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron, vice-convener of the authority’s Housing and Economy Committee, said: “This development is a great boost to Edinburgh’s economy for businesses who may currently be struggling to find quality units to accommodate expansion. I’m also pleased to see such a mix of businesses in the units in terms of size and what they are trading in.

“There has been a huge amount of interest and although all the units are now let, officers are still receiving enquiries. The model is definitely something we are keen to replicate elsewhere in the city.”