Plans have been launched to create one of Edinburgh’s biggest-ever workspace developments featuring the largest electric vehicle charging (EV) hub in Europe.

The proposals for Edinburgh Green will create more than 800,000 square feet of office space with a range of facilities, including a café/events space and a new public park.

As part of the development, around 800 EV charging points will be installed at the site and made available for community use.

An initial 170 EV charging points will be installed at the hub, with a further 595 enabled for future use set within the existing site of Drummond House and the Younger Building in Edinburgh Park

Those behind the ambitious development have promised the plans will be a ‘game changer’ and have a multi-purpose pavilion surrounded by rich landscaped grounds and a pond richly landscaped park with water features.

The EV points, which will be available to the public during evenings and weekends, will be part of a more comprehensive transport mobility hub, including car club access, public transport links and cycle parking.

At present, the Energy Superhub Oxford is the largest EV charging hub in Europe with around 450 points.

Edinburgh Green is being brought forward by Shelborn Asset Management, who purchased the site and existing buildings from the NatWest Group in 2021.

The plans have now been submitted to Edinburgh City Council and if granted permission, works are expected to begin onsite in the of Summer 2023, opening in 2026.

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Brian Rabinowitz, Director at Shelborn, said: “This is one of the most ambitious office developments to be launched in Edinburgh for decades and our plans for Europe’s largest electric vehicle charging hub is key to meeting our ambitious 2030 net zero target.

“Sustainability will be at the heart of this development, which promises to be a game-changer by transforming the common perception of what an office workspace should look like. It will boast modern office accommodation surrounded by spacious landscaped parkland and a range of on-site facilities such as a multi-use pavilion, café/events space, and comprehensive transport links.

“As Edinburgh’s market continues to grow post-pandemic, public and private sector occupiers are demanding a better-quality workspace which give their employees better places to work.

“Edinburgh Green is seeking to respond directly to this, creating a new kind of workspace that optimises a well-connected brownfield site, complete with all the amenities and functionality demanded by both employer and employee alike.”

A recent report produced by Ryden and CBRE into the Edinburgh office market has found a severe shortage of Grade A offices within the Capital with the sustainable credentials that fulfil occupier needs.

This shortage is further highlighted with no new developments currently under construction and no new stock expected to be available before 2024.

Edinburgh Green also represents a significant investment in West Edinburgh, with substantial and widespread benefits for the city’s economy.

According to analysis from BiGGAR Economics, the development would support an annual economic impact of £370 million GVA and 5,300 jobs in Edinburgh and £427m and 6,480 jobs across Scotland.

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