IONA STREET \ Edinburgh

Student Accommodation, Affordable Housing, Build to Rent 

The first mixed tenure development in Edinburgh to be built with students, build to rent, and affordable housing

Watkin Jones Group appointed Manson to provide planning and architectural services from feasibility onward. The project was granted planning permission in August 2020 and was completed for VITA Student in summer 2023. We are proud to announce that the project is a finalist in the Scottish Property Awards 2024.

The site is situated in the north of Edinburgh and will benefit from the newly constructed Edinburgh tramline extension. Leith Conservation Area is immediately north of the site, which is why a natural blonde sandstone and proportionately appropriate openings to reflect a tenemental character were a primary design consideration.

The scheme is highly sustainable in terms of it’s low and zero carbon generating technology use and is completely gas-free, relying upon air source heat pumps and photovoltaic arrays on the roof for heating and power. The roof is also sedum and will enhance local biodiversity through habitat creation. 

There are 199 student bedspaces, 20 affordable flats and 60 build to rent flats across the 0.5 hectare site. Port of Leith Housing Association will take control of the affordable homes on completion of the project and VITA will own and operate the PBSA and BTR.