A significant £69 million retrofit project for two of Edinburgh's most iconic residential towers, Cables Wynd House and Linksview House, has taken a major step forward this month with the submission of a planning application by Collective Architecture.

The City of Edinburgh Council's ambitious plans aim to transform these Category A listed buildings, constructed in the 1960s, to provide safer, higher-quality, and more energy-efficient homes for their 310 households, most of which are social rented properties.

The proposed works are primarily driven by the imperative to meet the Scottish Government's Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH2). Achieving this compliance will necessitate substantial upgrades to both the building fabric and mechanical systems. Beyond regulatory requirements, the Council has identified a crucial opportunity to implement broader improvements, bringing the buildings in line with contemporary new-build standards.

Key elements detailed within the planning proposal include:

• Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Comprehensive improvements such as enhanced insulation, replacement windows, and the installation of energy-efficient heating systems to meet EESSH2 standards.

• Fire Safety Enhancements: Introduction of sprinkler systems, improved smoke ventilation, a new fire-fighting lift, and enhanced fire compartmentalisation in communal areas. The removal of legacy bin chutes and the integration of internal waste management facilities will further contribute to heightened fire safety.

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• Resident Safety and Security: Upgraded internal and external lighting, a thorough review of CCTV systems, and improved access control throughout both buildings.

• Landscape and Placemaking Improvements: The refurbishment project offers a unique chance to revitalise the outdoor environment around the towers. Proposed enhancements include new play areas, external seating, wildflower meadows, sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), and a comprehensive review of parking and waste facilities.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron expressed her delight at the milestone: "I am delighted that the proposals for the Council's £69 million investment in Cables Wynd House and Linksview House have now been submitted to the CEC Planning Service, setting out our plans to make our residents' homes safer, more comfortable and more energy efficient. Cables Wynd and Linksview House residents have long campaigned for this much needed and substantive investment in their homes to happen. Their influence and input into our consultation sessions have shaped these proposals and is hugely valued. I look forward to continuing this positive engagement with Cables Wynd and Linksview House residents and Leith Ward Councillors as the project progresses."

Carl Baker, Architect and Certified Passivhaus Designer at Collective Architecture, highlighted the resident-centric approach: "Collective Architecture is proud to be working with The City of Edinburgh Council on the retrofit of Cables Wynd House and Linksview House. Our proposals place residents at the heart of the process, aiming to provide greener, warmer homes, while celebrating and sensitively enhancing the unique character of the Category A listed buildings. As part of a just transition, our carefully considered interventions will improve the thermal and environmental performance of the iconic structures - boosting energy efficiency and alleviating the risk of fuel poverty. As with many of our projects, meaningful resident engagement has been central to the design process and will remain a key focus through the final design stage and into construction."

Subject to receiving planning approval, the Council has affirmed its commitment to continued close engagement with residents throughout both the design and construction phases, ensuring that their needs remain central to the project's delivery.