'A betrayal': Businesses fight plans to convert offices into short-term lets

Businesses in Leith say they fear for the future of The Shore following plans to convert a number of offices within Waterside House into 15 serviced apartments.

Those working in the area say the move could impact year-round trade, which has already been affected by an increasing number of short-term lets in recent years.

However, the owners of the building say it has been impacted by a decline in demand for office space.

Design consultant Jimmy Mower has worked at The Shore in Leith for the last ten years.

But his office is now at risk of being turned into short-term lets.

“This place is really inspiring for what we do. It’s not just a luxury to be here – it’s part of how we work.

“For a long time, Leith has prided itself on being a place where craft comes from, where people make things.

“Turning another building into an Airbnb feels like turning the area into a museum rather than a place to work. It feels like a betrayal of what Leith really is.

“We’re not really sure where we’re going to go.”

Jimmy says he and his colleagues support many nearby businesses.

“We get lunch from local cafes and pubs, we use local suppliers. We spend our working day in Leith.

“We’re concerned that’s being replaced with tourism. That’s not going to sustain the economy all year round.”

‘Hollowed out’

Nearby cafe owner Roxy Hessami says office workers are crucial to local businesses.

“This area used to be full of offices and workers. My best friend runs a shop here, and I’ve worked in the area for ten years.

“In the last four or five year,s it’s been completely hollowed out. People aren’t coming back to the offices.”

She says the loss of Waterside House tenants could hit revenue hard.

“About 40-50% of our takings come from people working in that building.

“A lot of businesses along Commercial Quay have already closed. Accessibility, parking issues and office closures have pushed people away from The Shore.”

Roxy says replacing workplaces with holiday lets risks damaging the community.

“Entire office buildings are being turned into short-term lets, and the community hasn’t really been consulted.”

Chris Batchelor from the Shore Business Collective STV News

The Shore Business Collective, a group representing around 60 local businesses, has organised opposition to the proposals.

Spokesperson Chris Batchelor said: “The collective exists to support local businesses in Leith and make sure the area continues to thrive.

“Local businesses are overwhelmingly against this proposal, and we have come together as a group to make as much noise about it as possible.

“There have been around 300 objections to the application, which shows how much it means to protect the area and local business.”

A spokesperson for the building’s owners, Gregor Properties, said Waterside House has been affected by declining demand for office space, with more than a third of the building currently unoccupied. They said the proposed apartments could host up to 70 guests, increasing footfall in the area.

They added that any business that might end up displaced has been offered alternative accommodation nearby.

A statement outlined: “We were surprised to learn that the Shore Business Collective has declined to meet with us to discuss the economic impact our development will bring to the local area.

“We believe it would be beneficial to have an open discussion about the positive contribution this project will make to surrounding businesses.

“We remain very open to constructive dialogue and would welcome the opportunity to meet with the Shore Business Collective to discuss this further.”

A decision by Edinburgh Council on the planning application will take place in the coming months.