The £250m regeneration of Craigmillar took a step closer this week as plans were approved for the Council’s East Neighbourhood Office and library.

Forming the first element of the Craigmillar Town Centre Masterplan, the council-funded and managed development will house 350 council staff and provide valuable amenity to the local community in the form of a purpose built library on the ground floor. Meeting facilities and a café will also be open to the public.

Other potential developments included in the Masterplan are a supermarket and residential housing on the site of the old Niddrie Mill Primary School, both of which have aroused interest from the private sector.

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Cllr Tom Buchanan, convener for Economic Development, said: “The building of new council office accommodation in Craigmillar is an important milestone in the realisation of the Council and PARC’s vision for a vibrant town centre where people can live and work.

“We view this as a flagship development that will act not only as a signal of this Council’s ongoing commitment to regeneration in Craigmillar but also as a trigger to further private investment in the area.

“Of course, in these difficult times, developments such as these will create welcome job opportunities in construction and other related areas.”

Proposals for the 48,000 sq ft, £10m development include new and innovative low carbon technology which would provide highly efficient heating, cooling and hot water service system.

The council intends to appoint a contractor by the end of the year in time for work to begin early in 2011. Construction is due for completion by mid 2012.

(GK)