Discover Western Harbour, Edinburgh: Past, Present, and Future

Western Harbour, Edinburgh, is a vibrant and rapidly evolving area with a rich history.

The harbour has undergone significant transformations over the years, with its origins dating back to the 18th century as a major commercial port.

Today, the area is a hub for innovation, with the construction of the £1 billion Edinburgh Waterfront project underway.

This ambitious development aims to create a thriving community with a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, including a new marina and a revamped waterfront promenade.

The creation of Western Harbour began in 1936 with the construction of a breakwater from Newhaven into the Firth of Forth. This breakwater marked the start of the Port of Leith's western harbour.

Between 1936 and 1942, the area was further developed, and a large area of land was reclaimed through landfill. The breakwater was extended, and the harbour began to take shape.

Western Harbour was formed from an expansion to the Port of Leith, and it now consists of over 1,100 homes, a supermarket, and various leisure businesses. The harbour has undergone significant changes over the years, with a major redevelopment planned in 2004 by Forth Ports.

A new masterplan was designed by ADAM Architecture in 2004, which aimed to create a small town with up to 17,000 new homes. However, interest in further development halted due to the Global Financial Crisis and the cancellation of the Edinburgh Trams project to Leith and Newhaven.

The harbour has seen a resurgence in development, with the completion of the Harbour Point & Gateway residential developments in 2019 and the opening of the new Victoria Primary and Nursery school in 2022.

Western Harbour has undergone significant changes since its creation between 1936 and 1942. The location was formed from an expansion to the Port of Leith, with a breakwater extended from the historic fishing village of Newhaven.

The harbour has been reclaimed through landfill, with a large area of land on the opposite side of the water to Ocean Terminal. Forth Ports, the owner of the Docks, announced plans to redevelop the area in 2004.

The development, which was given supplementary planning guidance by the City of Edinburgh Council in 2004, will be the size of a small town with up to 17,000 new homes. The new urbanist masterplan was designed by the new classical office of ADAM Architecture.

Here are some key facts about the Western Harbour Masterplan:

The revised masterplan was required to reflect the changing needs of the area, including increased provision of affordable housing, local facilities, and a new primary school. The design team had two primary tasks: to refresh and update the previous design guidelines and to develop detailed masterplan proposals for the park and residential neighbourhood.

The Western Harbour has a rich history, and some notable events that stand out include the construction of the harbour's first dock in 1850, which was a major milestone in the area's development.

The harbour's strategic location and access to the sea made it an attractive spot for trade and commerce, and by the late 1800s, it had become a thriving commercial centre.

In 1880, the harbour was officially opened to the public, marking a significant turning point in its history and paving the way for further growth and development.

The harbour's importance continued to grow throughout the 20th century, with the construction of new docks and warehouses, and the expansion of shipping and trade operations.

The harbour's history is also marked by significant events such as the devastating fire that occurred in 1920, which destroyed much of the harbour's infrastructure and led to a major rebuilding effort.

Western Harbour Park is a 4.4-hectare parkland that will be one of the largest areas of new parkland delivered in Edinburgh for 100 years. Once completed, it will feature a variety of habitats, including a wetland area, woodland edges, play parks, and sports areas.

The landscape architect, Rankin Fraser, has integrated the Edinburgh Coastal Mix into the design, which will provide a natural and beautiful environment for residents and visitors. This park will also have elevated areas for visual connections to the Firth of Forth.

The park is being developed in two stages, with stage one including a sports area, high-quality play parks, and space close to the school for outdoor learning.

Lighthouse Park is a beautiful grass landscaped area located at the north end of the western breakwater and south of the lighthouse, offering stunning views of the dock gate. This park is a great spot to relax and take in the surroundings.

The parkland is situated in the north end of the western breakwater, making it easily accessible for visitors. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Some parts of the existing park may be temporary due to ongoing development in the area. This is a sign of growth and progress, but it's worth noting for anyone planning to visit.

The park is surrounded by buildings and structures in Leith, giving it a unique and charming atmosphere.

The ponds have formed within part of the excavated area, becoming a habitat for several species of birds and other wildlife.

A temporary tree preservation order has been issued for a collection of trees on the site, providing a safe haven for the local ecosystem.

The ponds are located at 55°59′8.21″N3°11′30.26″W.

You can walk along the scenic harbour promenade, which offers stunning views of the Firth of Forth.

The harbour is a hub of activity, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops to explore.

The waterfront is also home to a number of boat operators, offering tours and charters to suit all interests.

Western Harbour is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, with events and festivals taking place throughout the year.

The harbour's picturesque setting and vibrant atmosphere make it a great place to relax and unwind.

Western Harbour Development is a significant project that's transforming the Edinburgh landscape. The park, Western Harbour Park, will be one of the largest areas of new parkland delivered in Edinburgh for 100 years.

The park will cover 4.4 hectares of reclaimed land and feature a variety of habitats, including wetland areas, woodland edges, play parks, and sports areas. Elevated areas will provide visual connections to the Firth of Forth.

The park's design was led by landscape architect Rankin Fraser, who worked closely with Rettie to deliver two stages of the park. Stage one will include sports areas, high-quality play parks, and outdoor learning spaces for the nearby school.

The demand for homes in the area is high, with over 3,600 people waiting for the 96 homes at Harbour Point. This demand has informed the design of the subsequent phases, with Rettie advising the architects on the building typology to meet the needs of prospective residents.

The waiting list for homes in phase zero of the Western Harbour Development is staggering, with over 3,600 people waiting for the 96 homes at Harbour Point.

The demand for homes at Harbour Gateway is even higher, with 65% of the development already completed and let, and a waiting list that's growing by 12 applications per day.

This level of demand has allowed the developers to refine their building plans to meet the needs of prospective residents, thanks to data gathered from the waiting list.

Active engagement with the waiting list has also helped the developers understand the needs and aspirations of current residents, enabling them to create a more tailored living experience for everyone involved.

Phase One of the Western Harbour Development is an ambitious project that's already making progress. In February 2019, a revised design framework and planning submission were delivered within 12 months by Rettie, 7N, and Holder Planning.

The phase will bring 938 homes and a public realm to the area, with further design work underway. Warrant preparation and works could potentially start on site by the end of 2019.

Gardiner & Theobald QS has fully costed the phase, with engineering and geotechnical partners Arup, Atelier 10, and Woolgar Hunter providing support. This team effort aims to deliver stability to residents, investors, and stakeholders.

Western Harbour is situated in a wonderful part of Newhaven, a waterside district in the north of Edinburgh. This area is served by regular buses running on Western Harbour Drive.

The location offers easy access to local amenities, with Newhaven Harbour just a 10-minute walk away. This charming harbour area boasts lovely eating places and bars.

Guests can also walk to the large local superstore in a similar distance to the harbour.