Ocean Terminal owner Ambassador Group has submitted a pre-application notice with the City of Edinburgh Council for a transformational redevelopment that will see the 20-year-old shopping centre open up to the waterfront.
The vision is to create a destination that reflects the needs and aspirations of the people who live and work in Leith.
After purchasing the shopping centre in March 2020 because of its significant potential, Ambassador Group now plans to turn Ocean Terminal into ‘a gateway to the waterfront for the local community’.
The new masterplan for the site includes a new mixed-use space that maximises the location and aspect on to the Firth of Forth, created at a new linked entrance to the centre.
The proposal promises a mix of indoor and outdoor space achieved by the demolition of the existing north multi-storey car park and the former Debenhams store to allow the remaining building to be reconfigured with updated spaces for new commercial opportunities. The final stage of the masterplan is to introduce a mix of housing on the waterfront.
Following the submission of the Proposal of Application Notice, Ocean Terminal will now conduct public consultation beginning with an online exhibition set to go live on 23rd September. A full planning application is expected in early 2022, with a view to start works later that year.
Chris Richardson is the managing director for Ambassador Investments, said: “We’re planning a transformational redevelopment that will finally realise Ocean Terminal’s potential as a leading waterfront destination, whilst placing the changing priorities of residents, businesses, visitors and shoppers centre stage. The retail industry and the local environment has evolved significantly in recent years and this redevelopment will create a sustainable destination that people will continue to enjoy for years to come.
“This is an exciting time for Ocean Terminal, and we look forward to sharing that vision as we move forward.”
Richardson added that Ambassador Investments had already spoken with many of those with an interest in the success of Ocean Terminal, the early feedback has been ‘very positive.’
