The City of Edinburgh Council has received planning consent for the transformative £69 million retrofit of two of Leith's most iconic residential buildings: Cables Wynd House and Linksview House.

The application, submitted by Collective Architecture, was approved by the Development Management Sub-Committee on Wednesday, 1 October.

The extensive programme will involve substantial upgrades to the two Category A listed buildings, which together provide 310 social rent homes. The primary aims are to meet the Scottish Government's stringent Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH2) and align the buildings with modern new-build standards.

The multidisciplinary project, led by the Council, will dramatically improve energy performance, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance living standards. Key improvements include:

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• Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Installation of improved insulation, new window replacements, and energy-efficient heating systems.

• Fire Safety Enhancements: Introduction of sprinkler systems, a new fire-fighting lift, smoke ventilation, and improved fire compartmentalisation. Legacy bin chutes will be removed and internal waste management facilities added.

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

• Landscape Improvements: The outdoor environment will be reimagined with new play areas, external seating, wildflower meadows, and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS).

Housing Convener Lezley Marion Cameron welcomed the decision, expressing delight that the long-awaited works can now "get underway, hopefully at pace." She also thanked residents for their "proactive and positive engagement" in shaping the design proposals.

Carl Baker, Architect at Collective Architecture, said the approval represents a "major milestone" in the life of the post-war housing developments, celebrating their approach that "carefully balances ambitious improvements to energy performance with the sensitive conservation" of the landmark towers.