Seafield Regeneration Plan Faces Skepticism from Landowners
Edinburgh City Council’s plan to build over 2,000 homes along the Seafield coastline has been met with cautious skepticism from local landowners, who describe the proposal as “not realistic” and believe it could take at least 20 years to come to fruition. The project aims to replace the current industrial landscape with a sustainable, environmentally friendly neighbourhood to help address the city’s housing shortage.
Seafield, located between Leith and Portobello, is today home to car showrooms, industrial units, and a recycling centre. The council’s vision is to transform this stretch of coastline into a mixed-use community featuring green spaces, modern homes, and low-carbon infrastructure. While the ambition has drawn interest from residents eager for revitalisation, landowners say the practical challenges are significant.
“The idea is exciting, but the reality is complicated,” said one landowner involved in the area. “Multiple owners, existing businesses, and the need for environmental clean-up mean it’s not something that will happen quickly or easily.”
Urban planning experts also highlight the gap between aspiration and implementation. Complex factors like land assembly, contamination, infrastructure upgrades, and funding must be addressed before development can progress. Without coordinated efforts and investment, the project risks slow progress.
Local communities in Leith and Portobello have expressed hope that Seafield’s regeneration will bring improved public spaces and better access to the waterfront. However, they also want to see clear, achievable plans rather than vague promises.
As the council moves forward with consultations and long-term planning, the Seafield project serves as a reminder of the challenges cities face in turning visionary ideas into reality and how important it is to balance ambition with practical steps.
