Clark Contracts has reached a major milestone in the construction of The Pepper Mill, a new student accommodation project in Edinburgh. The six-storey development, located on Dunedin Street, is set to provide 155 beds and high-quality amenity spaces for students, with completion expected in late 2025.
Aiming for Sustainability and Digital Excellence
The project is designed with sustainability in mind. It is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating, an industry-recognized certification for sustainable building practices. Among its green features are roof-mounted air-source heat pumps and an advanced sustainable urban drainage system incorporating green and blue roofs.
In addition to environmental considerations, the development is also focused on digital connectivity. The Pepper Mill is on track to receive a WiredScore Platinum certification, ensuring high-speed internet and optimal digital infrastructure—key elements for modern student living.
A Team Effort Behind the Build
Bringing this ambitious project to life requires collaboration. Several key players are involved in its development:
- Clark Contracts – Main contractor overseeing the construction.
- Danehurst – Property developer commissioning the project.
- ISA Architects – Architectural firm behind the design.
- Fairhurst – Structural engineering specialists.
- Rybka – Services engineering consultants.
- F3Building Surveyors – Principal designers ensuring compliance and safety.
The collective expertise of these firms is driving the project towards successful completion, setting a new standard for student accommodation in the city.
Topping-Out Ceremony Marks a Key Milestone
To celebrate the completion of the building’s structural framework, a topping-out ceremony was held on-site. Representatives from Danehurst, including co-founder Bob Bratland, as well as Mark Yonwin and George Rose, attended the event alongside Clark Contracts director Michael Scanlan and the wider project team.
Bratland marked the occasion by casting the final section of concrete. Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, he said, “This is Danehurst’s first project north of the border, and it is a great experience working with our Scottish design team and Clark Contracts. Together, we are bringing our vision of a ‘home away from home’ student living experience in Edinburgh to reality.”
What This Means for Edinburgh’s Student Housing Market
The demand for high-quality student accommodation in Edinburgh has been steadily rising. The city’s growing student population has driven investment in purpose-built student housing, and projects like The Pepper Mill are helping to meet this need.
This development aims to provide:
- A modern, well-equipped living environment for students.
- Enhanced security and safety measures designed for student well-being.
- Community-focused amenities to foster interaction and a supportive atmosphere.
With its focus on sustainability, technology, and comfort, The Pepper Mill is expected to set a benchmark for future student housing projects in the region.
Clark Contracts Expanding Its Footprint
Beyond student accommodation, Clark Contracts has been securing other major projects. Just last month, the company was chosen to deliver Glasgow City Council’s £12 million ($15.1 million) Statutory Private Property Housing Repairs framework. This demonstrates its growing influence in Scotland’s construction sector and its commitment to delivering high-quality developments across different areas.
As work continues on The Pepper Mill, all eyes will be on the final stages of construction. Students moving in next year can expect a state-of-the-art facility that blends modern living with sustainable innovation.
