UK: Plans have been submitted for a new PBSA development that involves the demolition of the former Scottish Law Commission offices in Edinburgh.
The plans were submitted by Balfour Beatty Investments, owned by Balfour Beatty plc, with JM Architects. They include the demolition of the building on Causewayside, to make way for a 174-bed scheme.
Proposing the demolition and new-build approach, the developer said: “A significant number of challenges have been identified and would have to be overcome in order to keep the existing construction and adapt it into the proposed student accommodation.”
A panel of design experts said the argument for demolition requires “further consideration”.
A statement supporting the application said: “Overall, student numbers have grown steadily over the last 10 years, with a marked increase in student numbers in recent years. The student population has increased by 36% since the 2011/12 academic year, with the increase on an upward trend. This clearly demonstrates significant growth in the student population which in turn will create greater demand for PBSA. It is noted that the market is currently underserved and a large proportion of students have to rely on the rented market for housing, which in itself reduces appropriate housing stock across the city.”
