Your questions answered
We want to answer some common questions we’ve received or heard about the new temporary accommodation centre on the former Northfield House Hotel site on Lasswade Road.
We also want to correct a number of inaccurate claims being made on social media.
Edinburgh is a proud, welcoming and diverse city. Our bigest strength lies in those who live here - people from all walks of life, cultures and backgrounds.
The purchase of the building
In February 2025, councillors agreed to invest significantly in building and buying homes to address the housing emergency we face here in Edinburgh. As part of this commitment, we purchased the site at the former Northfield House Hotel on Lasswade Road where new student accommodation had recently been built.
When the site became available for sale, we purchased it with the intention of changing its use from student accommodation to temporary housing for 100 households experiencing homelessness.
In January 2026, we gained planning permission to go ahead with with this and have now taken ownership of the building. The building has 100 self-contained flats which will be used to temporarily house people waiting for a permanent home. We expect it to open in spring.
The purchase also included a large house on the grounds which will be converted into individual flats and used for temporary accommodation.
What is temporary accommodation?
There are temporary accommodation sites located across the city. They offer safe and comfortable places for individuals or families to live while they wait for a permanent home to become available. People using temporary accommodation pay rent to stay there.
Temporary accommodation is offered to people who have had to declare themselves homeless and have nowhere else to stay. You do not have to be living on the streets or unemployed to be homeless. Many working people find themselves without a home and in need our support.
Why we need more temporary accommodation in Edinburgh
The population in Edinburgh is continuing to grow and, unfortunately, demand homes far outstrips supply. Every night in the city, 5,500 households are without a home and living in temporary accommodation.
This is not a situation that is unique to Edinburgh and towns and cities across the country are experiencing overwhelming demand for housing. To help tackle this housing crisis and prevent homelessness, we must make sure everyone has access to a safe, warm place to stay and invest in help and support for anyone at risk of becoming homeless.
Who will be offered accommodation there
The site will be used to house 100 households in self-contained flats until they can secure permanent accommodation. People using temporary accommodation pay rent to stay there.
Some examples of people who may stay there include people who
- have been living with family or friends, but have been asked to leave,
- are unable to stay in their home because they are at risk of violence from someone they live with or used to live with,
- have separated from their partner and have nowhere to stay,
- are forced to live apart from their family members because they do not have accommodation where they can live together,
- have been legally evicted by Court Order.
To be absolutely clear, this site will not be used to house people awaiting a decision on their asylum status - this is a matter managed by the Home Office, not the Council.
How the site will be managed
The property will be managed and run by the Council’s Temporary Accommodation Service. The service has significant experience of managing this type of accommodation within communities across the city.
There will be members of staff on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week 365 days a year.
Community safety
Concerns have been raised within the community about safety. We manage similar types of accommodation in communities across the city and there is no evidence of an associated increase in crime or concerns for public safety in these areas.
The property will be managed by a very experienced team and there will be members of staff on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
As is the case in any situation, if you have any concerns for your safety, you should contact the police immediately.
Factual inaccuracies on social media
Contrary to some of the claims we have seen on social media:
- The site will not be used to house asylum seekers. This is managed by the Home Office, not the Council.
- There are no plans to build a new gym in Liberton Park.
- The site is not being used to house police informants.
- Homeless people will not get preferential treatment at doctors’ surgeries.
Further information
- Edinburgh’s housing emergency
- Support and advice for anyone at risk of homelessness