Arc-Tech (Scotland) appointed to £59m Edinburgh mixed-use development

Located on Abbey Lane in Meadowbank, ‘Burnet Point’ is a residential development comprising 298 student beds for accommodation provider Unite Students and 66 build-to-rent and affordable apartments that will be managed by Hillcrest Homes.

The development is the first of its kind from the Bristol-based Unite Students and will also be its lowest carbon, new build project with sustainable building materials and zero direct emissions (otherwise known as “clean” or “non-polluting”) heating systems, combining to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating and regulated operational net zero carbon.

The installation of the heating systems will form part of Arc-Tech’s £7.9m mechanical, electrical and public health services package – the largest ever undertaken by the firm since its inception in 2016.

All fire, lighting, security, data and communications systems as well as air conditioning, ventilation, and fire suppression, amongst other services, will be designed and installed by a team of 30, directly employed staff.

Up to six trade apprentices will also be based on-site during the one-year contract which will be ready to accommodate students in time for the 25/26 academic year.

Arc-Tech managing director, John Gallacher, said: “On behalf of the Arc-Tech (Scotland) Board of Directors and our entire team, I give thanks to Graham for appointing us to this contract, the largest we have ever undertaken in our eight years of business.

“Burnet Point is a major project for the city of Edinburgh. Not only is it helping to address localised demand for high-quality student beds and homes for affordable rent, it is also another great example of how industry and the City are collaborating to address the transition to net zero.

“For Arc-Tech, we will be calling upon a wealth of experience to support the project. We have a strong background in multi-occupancy developments such as student beds, care homes, and aparthotels.

“In north Edinburgh alone, we are also on-site supporting the delivery of 637 low carbon or operational net zero, mixed-tenure homes with a range of innovative energy solutions which includes the installation of one of the most advanced, zero emissions district heating systems in the UK.

“We look forward to commencing on site in the coming weeks and advancing works over the next year.”

Gary Holmes, regional managing director at GRAHAM Building North, said: “The demand for student accommodation continues to grow and the build-to-rent market remains buoyant, giving us a strong pipeline of projects in the coming years.”