Robertson completes major 476-home Edinburgh rental neighbourhood

The final phase builds on the 337 one to three-bedroom apartments already delivered by Robertson for Moda in 2022, which became the first residential building in Europe to receive three-star Fitwel accreditation, making it the healthiest place to live in Scotland.

With a focus on wellbeing, The McEwan boasts a wealth of amenities, from resident lounges, a private dining room, cinema and co-working spaces to roof terraces and a 24/7 gym.

Working in a busy city centre location, Robertson engaged closely with surrounding neighbours to minimise disruption. Continuous flight auger piling was chosen for the foundations to reduce vibrations, and noise levels were carefully monitored throughout.

To optimise energy performance and reduce running costs, a fabric-first approach was adopted with high-performance insulation, glazing and modern heating systems. Specialist screeding was also carried out, using three layers of material to absorb impact noise, improve insulation and offer a more sustainable flooring solution than traditional screeding.

All earth and raw material from the site was reused or repurposed, leading to 100% of waste being diverted from landfill.

Beyond delivering high-quality new homes, Robertson ensured the second phase brought meaningful social and economic benefits, contributing £32.8m in social, local and economic value. Almost £18m was spent with a local supply chain, 93% of which went to micro, small and medium enterprises. In addition, 243 local people were employed on-site and 419 weeks of apprenticeships were completed.

Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said: “Working closely with Moda, we’ve brought new life to a once underused part of the city to create a thriving neighbourhood that has become a welcome addition to Edinburgh. This project gave us the opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in operating safely in complex, busy environments while not compromising the quality standards that Robertson is known for.

“A real focus of our approach was to ensure that we provided long-lasting benefits for the local economy and community throughout construction. It’s fantastic that we achieved this by supporting local suppliers, creating jobs, and offering apprenticeships that will help build skills for the future.

“It is also essential that as we look to the future that we see the value that BTR has in helping address the housing emergency being faced in Scotland. I fully support the recommendations being made by the Housing Investment Taskforce, to meet the shortage challenges and to unlock new and existing investment, both public and private. Acting as a catalyst for change, its work will have a multi-generational impact that will improve housing supply and investment resilience, as it works with the government and the sector to address Scotland’s housing needs at scale.”

Tony Brooks, Executive Chairman, Moda Living, said: “Reaching practical completion at Moda, The McEwan is a landmark moment, and we’re grateful to Robertson, Apache Capital and its investment partners and other stakeholders for helping to deliver the second phase of this fantastic neighbourhood.

“We’re proud to be playing a role in the regeneration of Fountainbridge and to be welcoming residents into this already dynamic community, designed with health, wellbeing and community in mind, that makes it more than an apartment but a home.”

Jamie Snary, Executive Director Asset Management and Operations, Apache Capital, said: “The McEwan is another exemplar BTR asset forming part of our prime regional portfolio, bringing another 139 homes into operation adding to the 6,000 units which are either operational or in the development pipeline. Alongside welcoming our new residents we have also secured the first commercial occupiers including a convenience-led retailer which will be opening imminently.”

The second phase of The McEwan was funded as part of a joint venture between Moda, Apache, Harrison Street and NFU Mutual.

Robertson was also the main contractor at Holland Park in Glasgow, delivering 433 premium homes alongside Moda’s signature amenities.