Our “Still Standing” series has seen many uses for old tram depots and not Shrubhill Tram Depot in Edinburgh is set for a new life as affordable housing after plans were announced by Places for People.
Situated on the west side of Leith Walk there had been a tram depot on this site since Edinburgh Street Tramways opened a horse tram depot in 1871 and it was gradually extended and rebuilt until at the turn of the 20th century it was a large 31 track depot and works. Closing to trams on 16th November 1956 it was then used by buses but by 1962 much of the original tram depot had been demolished. Some of the original buildings did remain though but the buses moved out and after a spell as a museum it became derelict with the condition of the site deteriorating.
As far ago as 2000 the site was due to be sold for housing but it has taken until 2021 for specific plans to be considered and Places for People will convert the site to affordable housing. They have said that any parts of the structure which can be retained will be as part of the new development.