Edinburgh City Council has launched a new building programme to boost development in the city.

The scheme builds on Edinburgh 12 initiative, which aims to deliver over three million sq ft of commercial space and 1,700 new homes by developing strategic gap sites in the city.

While seven sites are partially completed or under construction, the new programme is being combined with Edinburgh 12 to deliver a 'one team' approach towards development.

Target areas which have been identified include:

• Prime offices – identify and unlock new sites for office development in the city centre

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• Light industrial space – help drive the delivery of additional light industrial space.

• Housing for people on low to middle incomes.

• Tech, creative and cultural space – help drive the delivery of additional creative and cultural space.

Cllr Gavin Barrie said: "The Council has been instrumental in helping to unlock the sites included the original Edinburgh 12.

"It is now time to refocus our efforts and take a strategic approach to ensuing that growth sectors have the right premises they need to grow and that a shortage of space is not a barrier to growth for many Small to Medium Enterprises. 

'Ensuring that Edinburgh has high quality grade A office space in the city centre in desirable locations is also crucial to ensuring that larger organisations invest in the city and want to do business here. Finally, to ensure we have the people to meet the demand for jobs we must look to assist with the delivery of quality affordable housing for those who may struggle to find housing on the open market but are vital to performance of the economy."

Councillors on the Economy Committee will consider the new development programme in a report next week.

(LM)