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Turley helps secure planning approval for a new 267-bed Vita Student PBSA development in Edinburgh

Acting on behalf of Vita Group [1], Turley has secured approval for a 267-bed purpose-built student accommodation building (PBSA) in Edinburgh.

We provided expert Planning and Heritage & Townscape services for the project.

In the planning meeting, which happened on Wednesday 24 January, the Development Management sub committee at City of Edinburgh Council approved plans for the new Vita Student residence at New Waverley North, part of the £240 million New Waverley regeneration project.

Once delivered, the new site will be the third Vita Student residence in Edinburgh with other sites located on Fountainbridge and Iona Street. 

Offering best-in-class student accommodation once finished, Vita Student’s New Waverley site will offer 207 high-quality studio apartments along with 60 cluster rooms, which will be complemented by outstanding amenity including a state-of-the-gym, social and study spaces as well as Vita Student’s outstanding customer experience which has been designed to help students maximise their university experience and ‘Begin Big’. It includes an on-site operations team delivering events, housekeeping, security and much, much more. 

Max Bielby, Chief Operating Officer for Vita Group said:

“Edinburgh’s undersupply of student housing causes pressures across Edinburgh’s housing market, so this planning consent should be seen as win for the City as well as the Vita Student brand as we continue to grow our presence within the city, delivering the very best student living experience. Now we can move onto the next phase of delivering this fantastic scheme in the New Waverley masterplan and realise the site’s potential, bringing further investment into the city and along with it adding to the city’s affordable homes.”

Nick Waugh, Director of Queensberry Properties Limited, the Vendor said:

“We are delighted to have worked with VITA in securing a change of use at New Waverley and welcome this last piece of the jigsaw to complete delivery of the Masterplan and realise the full potential of this important mixed use regeneration project.”

Colin Smith, Director and Head of Planning Scotland, said:

"It is great news for the city, and the city centre in particular, that this development has been approved.  It will complete the overall New Waverley development masterplan, provide high-quality student accommodation close to the university and, by maximising the use of brownfield land, is fully aligned with the key drivers of NPF4 with respect to sustainability and climate change."

25 January 2024

[1] https://vitagroup.com/