Sighthill redevelopment, phase 1

Category

Library Item

Item no

12294

Title

Sighthill redevelopment, phase 1

Description

A man reads a newspaper whilst leaning up against the side of a housing block in Sighthill, Edinburgh. An empty planter can be seen in the foreground.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1968

Size

21.2 x 16.4 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The note on the reverse of item reads:
'Sighthill redevelopment Phase 1
This scheme was undertaken on behalf of Edinburgh Corporation by Crudens Ltd. of Musselburgh, and was the first phase of the total redevelopment of a temporary housing area which ultimately was a site of some 1400 houses, including multi-storey blocks. Phase 1, consisting of 188 dwellings, was built initially by traditional methods to house tenants from the existing prefabricated dwellings, so that clearance work could go ahead. Thus, although being a seperate part of the contract, great care had to be taken to ensure that it blended in with the subsequent development. The total number of dwellings comprised 28 2-person 2 appartment houses, 48 4-person 3 appartment dwellings, and 112 5-person 4 appartment dwellings. This provided on 10.15 acres housing for 808 people, giving 79.5 persons per acre. Car parking was provided on a 70% basis. Work on site commenced in February 1966, and was completed 18 months later. For the main part, pedestrian segregation was achieved, and a series of courtyards were provided for safe play areas for children. Extreme care was taken with the landscaping of the site, especially in the areas where the two apartment dwellings are situated. To conserve as much land as possible for building, drying areas were built in to the blocks and storage space for bicycles, perambulators etc was also provided. Houses are heated by gas warm air central heating units.'

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Related subjects

Homes > Residential buildings > Flats

People > Adults > Men

Places > Edinburgh areas > Sighthill

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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