“Homes, families so far.” That’s what they say about West Craigs. Today, we’re exploring this evolving community. It’s a place that’s seen rapid transformation in recent years.
West Craigs, once a collection of scattered houses and farms, is now a vibrant suburb. It lies on the western edge of Edinburgh. This area is near Edinburgh Airport and the Gyle Shopping Centre.
Let’s take a step back. Imagine West Craigs in the late 1950s. Houses stood behind the Maybury Casino. West Craigs Avenue and Crescent were home to a few. A farmhouse and a handful of cottages dotted Turnhouse Road. Lennie Cottages nestled beside Turnhouse Golf Course. The old Turnhouse airport added to the landscape.
Now, fast forward to today. A late afternoon walk along Turnhouse Road reveals a burst of activity. Home builders are racing to finish new houses and flats. These homes line Turnhouse Road and the western reaches of Craigs Road.
West Town, east of the airport, will house 7000 homes on 205 acres. The Turnhouse area brings the total to 10,950 new homes. Add the Maybury Quarter, and you reach 11,950 homes for families.
The vision for West Craigs is a “20-minute town.” Residents should be able to walk to transport hubs, schools, and healthcare in 20 minutes. The first of three new primary schools is already open. Plans for cafes, a cinema, and a library are still in the works.
Notice the variety in building styles. Parks and green spaces add to the appeal. This variety makes West Craigs more interesting than other new developments around Edinburgh.
West Craigs is also becoming a hub for affordable housing. Wheatley Group is building 425 new energy-efficient homes. These homes include 238 for social rent and 187 for mid-market rent. The Scottish Government supports this project with over 41 million.
These new homes include a mix of houses and flats. Some are designed for wheelchair users. Livingwell homes support older tenants. Flats are available for people with complex needs. Low-carbon features like solar panels and electric car charging points are included.
This development is part of a wider transformation. Up to 1200 new homes for private sale are planned. New shops, two public parks, and a primary school will be added.
West Craigs is more than just houses. It’s a growing community. It connects to the rest of the city through cycle ways.
As we conclude our visit to West Craigs, remember the speed of change here. From scattered farms to a thriving suburb, West Craigs embodies the spirit of modern Edinburgh. It is a place where new homes mean new beginnings.