First Minister John Swinney visited CCG's 'Western Villages' net zero housing development in Granton on 05 March 2025, to highlight its pivotal role in sustainable construction and innovation within Edinburgh's £1.3 billion Granton Waterfront Regeneration Framework.

The visit to the 444-home project, developed in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, included the announcement of a £16 million grant from the Scottish Government's Housing Infrastructure Fund. This funding will enable the council to undertake crucial infrastructure works for future phases of affordable housing delivery in the area.

The grant is part of a broader financial support package from the Scottish Government, reflecting its commitment to support seven strategic sites within the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal. During his visit, Mr Swinney also met two CCG apprentices.

"Public sector investment in the first phase of Granton Waterfront is estimated to leverage a further £200 million of private sector investment in private housing and the low carbon heat network," said First Minister John Swinney. "The 2025-26 Budget has allocated more than £7 billion for infrastructure and £768 million to ramp up action on delivering affordable homes. This development at Granton Waterfront is an excellent example of how Scottish Government investment is already delivering across my government's four priorities – to eradicate child poverty, grow the economy, improve public services and protect the planet.”

-- Advertisement --

Council leader Jane Meagher emphasised the progress being made at Granton Waterfront, with hundreds of affordable homes underway at Western Villages and Silverlea. "I welcome today's announcement which comes at a critical time, as our city faces an ongoing housing emergency and a severe shortage of homes," she said. "This funding forms part of a wider funding package that the Council and Scottish Government continue to develop, allowing the next phase of development in Granton to get underway later this year. This will see further development of much-needed new homes, alongside improved infrastructure, and an innovative low-carbon district heating system."

Councillor Meagher also highlighted the project's contribution to the city's net-zero goals, stating, "The regeneration of Granton will not only help to address the housing shortage but also contribute to our broader goal to become net zero by 2030 and by incorporating cutting-edge technologies, residents will benefit from modern, comfortable, energy efficient homes. We're working hard to make Granton somewhere people will want to call home, and this is a great example of the success we can have when governments work together in partnership. I look forward to seeing this progress continue.”

Ben Macpherson, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, welcomed the grant announcement, stating: "Granton is a strategic site for development in our city, for tackling the housing shortages that we have, and for delivering new opportunities and facilities for the people of North Edinburgh. I look forward to seeing even more money being invested into Granton in the years ahead."