Plans lodged for ‘urban neighbourhood’ at Edinburgh BioQuarter

Developer Ryden has lodged an application on behalf of Scottish Enterprise for a large‑scale “urban neighbourhood” on land south of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. The scheme would combine new homes, student accommodation, retail, hotel space and extensive medical, research and life sciences facilities.

The proposals outline a broad mix of uses across the site, including food and drink venues, conference and leisure space, healthcare facilities, lab and R&D floorspace, and education buildings. A mobility hub, energy centre, supporting energy infrastructure, landscaped public spaces and active‑travel improvements also form part of the plan.

The development covers land around Little France Road, owned by Scottish Enterprise, and sits close to the route of Edinburgh’s planned new tram line. Consultation documents for the extension show the line running past the Royal Infirmary and up Little France Drive.

BioQuarter partners — Scottish Enterprise, the City of Edinburgh Council, the University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian — first set out a £1 billion vision for the area in 2020. Their ambition is to create a “health innovation district” where thousands of people live, work and study alongside major clinical and research institutions.

The area already hosts the Royal Infirmary, the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, university teaching buildings and a cluster of lab and office space. The University of Edinburgh’s Chancellor’s Building, adjacent to the hospital, houses the medical school’s headquarters, lecture theatres and teaching facilities.