Robertson Construction Central East has successfully completed the final phase of Moda, The McEwan, a significant build-to-rent (BTR) neighbourhood located on a brownfield site in Edinburgh's historic Fountainbridge area.

This completion adds 139 new homes, bringing the total to 476 one to three-bedroom apartments delivered for BTR developer and operator Moda.

The initial phase, completed by Robertson in March 2022, notably achieved a three-star Fitwel accreditation, making it the first residential building in Europe to be recognised as the healthiest place to live in Scotland. Emphasising wellbeing, The McEwan boasts extensive amenities, including resident lounges, a private dining room, cinema, co-working spaces, roof terraces, and a 24/7 gym.

Operating in a busy city centre, Robertson meticulously managed the construction process to minimise disruption to neighbours, employing continuous flight auger piling to reduce vibrations and monitoring noise levels. The development prioritised energy performance and reduced running costs through a fabric-first approach, incorporating high-performance insulation, glazing, and modern heating systems. Specialist screeding with three layers was used for superior insulation, noise absorption, and sustainability. Furthermore, all earth and raw materials from the site were reused or repurposed, achieving 100% waste diversion from landfill.

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Beyond construction, the second phase generated substantial social and economic benefits, contributing £32.8 million in social, local, and economic value. Nearly £18 million was spent with local suppliers, with 93% directed to micro, small, and medium enterprises. The project also employed 243 local people on-site and facilitated 419 weeks of apprenticeships.

Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer of Robertson Group, commented: "Working closely with Moda, we've brought new life to a once underused part of the city to create a thriving neighbourhood that has become a welcome addition to Edinburgh. This project gave us the opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in operating safely in complex, busy environments while not compromising the quality standards that Robertson is known for."

He also highlighted the project's focus on providing long-lasting benefits for the local economy and community. Robertson further stressed the value of BTR in addressing Scotland's housing emergency, fully supporting the recommendations from the Housing Investment Taskforce to unlock new investment.

Tony Brooks, Executive Chairman of Moda Living, expressed his gratitude to Robertson and other partners for delivering the "landmark moment" of practical completion. Jamie Snary, Executive Director Asset Management and Operations at Apache Capital, noted The McEwan as another "exemplar BTR asset," bringing more homes into operation and securing the first commercial occupiers.

The second phase of The McEwan was funded through a joint venture between Moda, Apache, Harrison Street, and NFU Mutual. Robertson also served as the main contractor for Moda's Holland Park development in Glasgow, delivering 433 premium homes.