The masterplan for the site responds to emerging political, commercial, social and environmental imperatives, which increasingly see policymakers and consumers putting a premium on the creation of healthy, liveable and sustainable built environments. Being at the centre of a dense transport network enables the site to be developed in a way that helps deliver these outcomes and creates the opportunity to be an exemplar for similar developments in Scotland and beyond.
The masterplan envisions the new development as a compact, mixed-use urban quarter that harnesses the full potential of being one of Scotland’s best-connected development sites. It deliberately features low on-site parking provision and prioritises the movement of people, rather than privately owned cars.
In support of this vision, we developed an evidence-based Mobility Management Strategy, which aims to bring the design principles embedded in the masterplan ‘to life’ and enable occupiers to capitalise on the site’s excellent connectivity whilst simultaneously, reducing the social, environmental and financial impacts of their travel choices. Importantly, the Mobility Management Strategy also provided strong support for Parabola’s successful application for planning permission.
Successful delivery of the MMS will help:
- Protect ongoing investment by multiple stakeholders in the success of this low car, mixed-use development
- Support and promote functional and attractive mobility choices for businesses, residents and visitors
- Maintain a positive image and profile for the development
We have worked with John Pinkard at Ansons from the onset, some 8 years ago, at our scheme at Edinburgh Park. Representing some 1M sq ft of commercial space, including 1800 homes, it was essential we considered the connectivity, transport infrastructure and transport solution within the masterplan.
This was more important than ever as we were submitting a major and detailed planning application, the largest planning application the City of Edinburgh Council had received in over a decade. We were therefore delighted with the outcome and a successful application, and there is no doubt the transport approach played a significant part and contribution with the application.
It was through John’s skills and considerable experience which helped form our Transport plan and general approach to transport which not only secured the application, but also continues to this day, when we discuss the opportunity to new office occupiers, and to support their own and often changing and challenging transport needs.
Transport is perhaps one of the most controversial and emotive items in large mixed use masterplans and therefore its essential you have the right team, experience and skill to help navigate you through this and with a solution that appeals and works for ultimately – the occupants and visitors of the Park.
Tony Hordon, Managing Director, Parabola
