Lothian Conservative MSP Miles Briggs is backing constituents in South Edinburgh and the Marchmont & Sciennes Development Trust who are calling for a community space to be incorporated in the redevelopment of the old Sick Kids’ Hospital site which was sold by NHS Lothian to developers Downing.
Miles has raised the issue in writing with both Downing and Edinburgh Council.
Speaking today Miles said:
“ There is still understandable disappointment in the communities of Marchmont and Sciennes that the development trust’s community buyout of the Sick Kids site was unsuccessful.
“ Looking ahead to the site’s redevelopment, it would be a real positive for the area if the trust were able to secure a community space with facilities that were of benefit to local residents. Such a community space would be recognition of the very significant community interest in the Sick Kids site and would be a very welcome new community amenity which is going to be much needed given the population increase the area faces as a result of new housing provision on the redeveloped site.
“ I hope that Downing will agree to work constructively with the development trust to help them secure a community space that would be widely welcome by so many local people in the south of the city.”