Residents of Gorgie in Edinburgh are raising concerns over proposed new student housing developments, claiming the area is becoming unrecognizable due to an influx of student accommodation. A six-storey, 60-bed student housing complex has been proposed on the corner of Robertson Avenue and Robertson Gait, a site that has been a ‘gap site’ for decades. The proposed development by Calder Road Developments Ltd aims to improve the ‘character’ of the area, but local residents are resisting the plan, citing a growing lack of affordable housing and a shift in community demographics.

Residents Concerned Over Changing Community

Willie Thorburn, who has lived in the area for 30 years, described the neighborhood as unrecognizable, noting that the flats he once knew were now mostly rented out. He argued that the site should be used for standard housing rather than student accommodation. ‘We need housing for people who will start families and live long term in the area,’ Thorburn said. ‘Student accommodation is not needed at that site.’

Thorburn’s neighbor, Niall Ferguson, a tax advisor, expressed concerns about the state of the local infrastructure. ‘I hope they do something about the sewers if they do build it as there have been a lot of problems with them,’ Ferguson said. He criticized the ‘heavily monetised student system,’ calling it a ‘massive ponzi scheme’ that prioritizes profit over community needs.

Ferguson also pointed out the economic challenges faced by residents. ‘Rent is going up all the time,’ he said. ‘The minimum rent for a one-bed around Gorgie is £900 and that is with bills going up. Even if you are working full time, it is going to be difficult to survive.’

Residents Call for Affordable Housing

Ciaran Muir, who recently moved to the area, stated that while he does not oppose student housing, he believes it should be accessible to a broader demographic. ‘I don’t mind if it houses students but it is the income demographic of students that matters and it has to be accessible,’ Muir said. ‘It’s not good if it is only for wealthy international students.’

Muir added that the area needs more affordable or social housing. ‘We need more homes that are not corporate focused,’ he said. ‘We like our two-bed flat but it is expensive. We pay about £1,400 a month for it, it’s not ideal.’

Gaelle Harding, a biology student at Herriot Watt, acknowledged the growing student population but also appreciated the diversity of the community. ‘I love the access to everything from Gorgie,’ she said. ‘It straddles my university and the city centre. I love living here and the diversity is amazing.’

Harding also raised concerns about gentrification. ‘I could see an argument of gentrification,’ she said. ‘With PBSA, I get why locals may want more housing, but also students need housing.’

Economic and Social Impact

Neil, an Indian philosophy and economics student at Edinburgh University, lives in an existing PBSA in Gorgie. He described the cost of living in student housing as high, noting that he pays around £9,000 per year, which is close to his tuition fees. ‘For what you get it is probably worth like £6/7,000,’ he said.

Neil also pointed out that while PBSAs offer convenience and amenities, they are often not worth the cost. ‘There are benefits but when you stack everything up, they are not worth it,’ he said. ‘If they build more in the area, they should make them more affordable as they are not even that close to the campus.’

The proposed PBSA plans have not yet been approved by Edinburgh Council. Residents are calling for more transparency and community input in the decision-making process. ‘We need housing for people who will start families and live long term in the area,’ Thorburn said. ‘I’ve nothing against students but I’d rather see the space used for standard housing.’

The debate over student housing in Gorgie highlights broader concerns about housing affordability and the impact of student accommodation on local communities. As the council considers the proposals, residents are hoping for a balance between meeting the needs of students and ensuring the area remains a place for long-term residents.