Edinburgh Marina Holdings, the developer of the landmark Edinburgh Marina Development, has today announced plans for a purpose-built waterfront technology hub, forming part of the £500m world class development.
Specialising in key data science and technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, FinTech, Quantum Computing and Data Analytics – the new purpose-built technology hub will comprise multiple offices and co-working spaces, a plethora of formal and informal break out areas for networking, support and events, in addition to a coffee bar, shops and restaurants, which will contribute towards an active and vibrant new high street.
Edinburgh Marina is responding to public demand for additional office space in Edinburgh; earlier this year Scottish Enterprise reported a 77% increase in the number of tech start-ups in Scotland ahead of the overall UK average of 59% and London at 76% in recent years. Aside from offering state-of-the-art facilities, Edinburgh Marina’s waterfront technology hub will support local businesses, residents, and visitors of Edinburgh Marina, whilst creating over 450 employment opportunities for the local community.
In addition to Edinburgh Marina’s waterfront technology hub, this world class development will also include new homes for sale and rent, Royal Wharf – luxury living for retirement, 427 full-serviced berths which will be capable of accommodating boats of up to 40m plus in length with 24/7 access at all states of tides, the new Hyatt Regency Spa and Conference hotel with serviced apartments, the Chestnut medical hub and neighbourhood shopping. In its entirety, the development will create over 1,300 permanent new employment opportunities for the local community, together with a high percentage of affordable homes.
Charles Price, a spokesman for Edinburgh Marina Holdings commented: “This exciting development will help us deliver on our objective for the economic regeneration of Granton. It will provide much needed office space and substantial employment opportunities with the provision of flexible low-cost space for start-ups in a growing digital economy”
Steve McGavin, Planning and Development Director, GL Hearn commented: “The development of the Edinburgh Marina waterfront technology incubator hub will be a gamechanger for the north of the city and for Scotland. The creation of an additional 450 direct jobs will bring the total number of employment opportunities to 1,300; it will also be the catalyst for kickstarting the City of Edinburgh Council’s plans to create a new high street along West Harbour Road.
There is a strong and emerging market from tech and digital start-ups in Edinburgh. We believe the presence of such a facility will provide a further boost to the ongoing regeneration of Edinburgh’s waterfront. The area has already undergone a significant transformation in recent years, largely through the work focussed around the Edinburgh Marina, and is set to become one of the most exciting and sought-after parts of the city in the coming years.”
William Gunn, Director at Wilson+Gunn said: “Edinburgh Marina is an amazing opportunity for the City of Edinburgh and Scotland. This development will deliver significant opportunities for employment, tourism and international sporting events; the proposed new waterfront tech hub at 51 West Harbour Road is an essential ingredient in the overall strategy of the various business incubator and accelerated growth programmes for businesses throughout Scotland. This new development will put Edinburgh on the centre of the European stage for technology.”