- Contract: £21 million for retrofit upgrades.
- Locations: Craigmillar and Peffermill Court.
- Scope: Retrofit and facility upgrades.
- Status: Recommended for approval.
- Details: No timeline or developers specified.
Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) January 15, 2026 – A £21 million contract has been recommended for approval to deliver major retrofit and upgrade works in Edinburgh.
The design, which is an element of the Council’s larger Strategic Investment Plan for high- rise structures, would contemporize both blocks and greatly enhance occupants’ comfort, safety, energy effectiveness, and long- term sustainability.
The two bottom blocks, which were constructed in 1968, lack sequestration, making heating residences challenging and expensive. expansive external wall sequestration will be added as part of the addition, significantly enhancing thermal performance and aiding homes in better heat retention. It’s anticipated that these advancements will make living areas warmer and lower residents’ periodic heating charges.
Each apartment will be equipped with a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery( MVHR) system to further enhance interior air quality and address patient problems with humidity and earth.
New advancements correspond of
advancements to fire safety, similar as the installation of new fire doors, sprinkler systems in each apartment, and a firefighting elevator in each block
A new on-site garbage strategy will take the place of the current bin chutes.
Additionally, a complete CCTV system that covers all stairwells and common lobby landings will be installed to increase security.
Nearly all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems will be replaced if they are difficult to maintain or have reached the end of their useful lives.
Concierge services will be much improved, and new and enhanced common areas will promote resident engagement and assist community outreach initiatives by utilizing previously underutilized space within the buildings.
Additionally, the surroundings will change, with:
- extended and moved allotments, as well as more tree planting
- A refurbished and enhanced playground
- Parking was reconfigured, and access between the two blocks was enhanced.
- new facilities for recycling and trash management
- There are 57 two-bedroom houses in Craigmillar Court and Peffermill Court.
This significant investment is a long-term commitment to raising living standards, lowering carbon emissions, boosting safety, and building more hospitable, sustainable communities for present and future inhabitants.
Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Cllr Tim Pogson, said:
“This £21 million investment represents a major step forward in improving the quality, safety and sustainability of our high-rise homes. By upgrading insulation, ventilation, fire safety and communal spaces, this project will deliver warmer, healthier and more affordable homes for residents, while also ensuring these buildings are fit for the future.”
How will residents be affected during construction?
Residents at Craigmillar Court and Peffermill Court will witness limited direct impacts during the £21 million build construction, as the design emphasizes resident weal through phased external workshop.
Internal upgrades, including sequestration, ventilation, fire sprinklers, and electrical reserves, bear temporary access to individual apartments but prioritize minimum time-out with advance scheduling.
Construction, set to start in early 2026, aims for completion within 2- 3 times, delivering warmer, safer homes that exclude damp and abbreviated energy bills by over to 50. Community advancements like better play areas and parking will enhance diurnal lifepost-project.
