Forth Ports PLC, the company that operates ports in the UK, appointed RTKL as the master-planner for Leith Docks development, the single largest regeneration project in Edinburgh’s history. The site comprises the first two ‘urban villages’: Britannia Quay and Waterfront Plaza, within the wider Leith Docks development.
The brief given by Forth Ports was to design a mixed-use development that will elevate the land value and will attract people to live, work and shop in the area. RTKL has placed an assorted mix of retail and leisure venues along the waterfront.
The main objective behind the Harbour: Leith Docks development is the revitalisation of the existing harbour and its quay-side, and converting it from an inaccessible industrial area into an active waterfront boulevard. The scheme will feature a vibrant mix of offices, hotels, leisure activities, retail, civic space, and housing. An active urban environment linking the waterfront and the existing adjoining neighbourhoods will be formed.
The architectural elements and materials are selected in such a way that it will mirror the openness and transparency of the site with maximum views of the harbour. Active spaces are lined across the ground level to create a strong public / private relationship at the street level. The project is currently in the design concept and planning stage.
To date, Forth Ports has invested over £100 million ($154.2 million) in the regeneration process, which underlines the company’s long term commitment to the waterfront area of the city.
