Edinburgh development could include Europe’s biggest electric car charging hub

Plans have been launched for one of Edinburgh’s biggest ever workspace developments featuring what is said to be the largest electric car charging hub in Europe.

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

Sustainable development is at the heart of the project which includes almost 800 electric vehicle (EV) charging points, which will be available for community use.

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

The creators behind the development for more than 7,000 employees have called the plans a “game changer” which will set new standards for a modern sustainable office.

The Energy Superhub in Oxford is said to be the largest in Europe at the moment with about 450 points.

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

They challenged the project team to develop a workplace that focuses on wellbeing and sustainability, closely aligning with Edinburgh’s own pathway to net zero.

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

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.

“As Edinburgh’s market continues to grow post-pandemic, public and private sector occupiers are demanding a better-quality workspace which gives 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.”

Councillor Scott Arthur, convener of the council’s transport and environment committee, said: “I have committed Edinburgh to driving down carbon emissions and aim to hit net zero by 2030, and electric vehicles are part of this of this.

“Edinburgh recently rolled out a network of on-street charging points to support people that need a car to use clean, low emission electric vehicles, and I welcome any additional charge points, particularly those open to the local community.

“Of course, the move to electric vehicles is only one tool at our disposal. Increasingly people in Edinburgh want new developments to be well connected to public transport, and support those choosing to travel by foot and bike.

“Indeed, this is essential if we are to reduce our carbon footprint, but also lower congestion, improve air quality and make our roads safer.

“Thankfully, Edinburgh Park has excellent connections to the city via Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, and I would expect any new development in the area to make the most of these whilst also connecting to active travel routes.”