Waterfront technology hub planned for Edinburgh Marina

The developer of the £500 million Edinburgh Marina project has today announced plans for a purpose-built waterfront technology hub.

Waterfront technology hub planned for Edinburgh Marina

Specialising in key data science and technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, FinTech, Quantum Computing and Data Analytics, the new hub will comprise private office and co-working space as well as formal and informal break out areas for networking, support and events.

Edinburgh Marina Holdings said a coffee bar, shops and restaurants will also contribute towards an active and vibrant new high street.



Aside from offering state-of-the-art facilities, Edinburgh Marina’s waterfront technology hub will support local businesses, residents and visitors, whilst creating more than 450 employment opportunities for the local community.

The wider marina project is also set to include new homes for sale and rent, Royal Wharf – luxury living for retirement, 427 full-serviced berths, the new Hyatt Regency Spa and Conference hotel with serviced apartments, the Chestnut medical hub and neighbourhood shopping.

In its entirety, the development will create over 1,300 permanent new employment opportunities for the local community, together with a high percentage of affordable homes.

Charles Price, a spokesman for Edinburgh Marina Holdings, said: “This exciting development will help us deliver on our objective for the economic regeneration of Granton. It will provide much-needed office space and substantial employment opportunities with the provision of flexible low-cost space for start-ups in a growing digital economy.”



Steve McGavin, planning and development director, GL Hearn, said: “The development of the Edinburgh Marina waterfront technology incubator hub will be a gamechanger for the north of the city and for Scotland. The creation of an additional 450 direct jobs will bring the total number of employment opportunities to 1,300; it will also be the catalyst for kickstarting the City of Edinburgh Council’s plans to create a new high street along West Harbour Road.

“There is a strong and emerging market from tech and digital start-ups in Edinburgh. We believe the presence of such a facility will provide a further boost to the ongoing regeneration of Edinburgh’s waterfront.

“The area has already undergone a significant transformation in recent years, largely through the work focussed around the Edinburgh Marina, and is set to become one of the most exciting and sought-after parts of the city in the coming years.”

William Gunn, director at Wilson+Gunn, added: “Edinburgh Marina is an amazing opportunity for the City of Edinburgh and Scotland. This development will deliver significant opportunities for employment, tourism and international sporting events; the proposed new waterfront tech hub at 51 West Harbour Road is an essential ingredient in the overall strategy of the various business incubator and accelerated growth programmes for businesses throughout Scotland.



“This new development will put Edinburgh on the centre of the European stage for technology.”

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