Striking images show design for 73 new flats in Portobello

A STRIKING new image of how a run-down area of Portobello is set to be transformed, including the preservation of two historic pottery kilns, has been unveiled.

The new development on the town's promenade will see 73 flats, with underground parking, created on a former funfair site.

It will also see the two bottle-shaped pottery kilns, dating back to 1906 and said to be the last visual remnants of the pottery industry in Scotland, incorporated into the site.

The B-listed kilns are in the care of the council and plans are being drawn up to repair the top of the second kiln.

A previous application to develop the site by fun park owner Lothian Amusements angered local residents, who raised concerns that the five-storey buildings would overshadow local houses and obscure the historic kilns.

But developers Kiln Developments have been in discussion with the Kiln Working Group, and as well as creating a public area around the kilns, storage space within the refurbished structures is expected to be given to the group.

It is also planned to create an exhibition space and cafe which would provide information on the history and value of the two structures.

The existing amusement arcade building on the promenade will be demolished to make way for the new development, with a replacement building created on a neighbouring site.

Alastair Hackland, director of Hackland and Dore Architects, who have drawn up the plans, said: "We have been working with local groups and the council on these designs and we are very hopeful that they will be given approval in due course.

"The height of some of the buildings was slightly reduced as a result of consultation with the local community and we are keen to create public spaces on the promenade for people to enjoy.

"The cafe has been designed to sit facing the promenade, so that on sunny days it can have tables outside and be a very welcoming addition for people there.

"Different people will have their own views on this but we think it is something which will be a good addition to the area."

John Stewart, a member of the community council and chair of the Portobello Amenity Society, said he felt there were still some areas likely to cause concern for residents.

"The architects were kind enough to discuss the plans with us at two meetings and we did have concerns that the building on the promenade was too monolithic and would overshadow the public walkway," he said.

"I think that is still an issue, and even though they have slightly reduced the height of the building at one end, there is still a concern about the effect on residents.

"Added to that are possible problems with traffic, as the only access road is very narrow, and drivers leaving the flats there will mostly want to turn right, against the traffic flow, to go into the city centre, so I think that could cause a problem."

He added that Portobello Community Council would discuss the development at its next meeting.

If the project is given the go ahead later this year it is hoped to begin work in the summer of 2010, with the project likely to be completed around 2011.