Why Leith is Better than Edinburgh City Centre to Locate Your Business

Leith is a fantastic part of the North of Edinburgh that has a lot to offer. There is a growing trend of businesses choosing to set up their business in Leith instead of the city centre of Edinburgh. Here, we will discuss a few reasons why you should consider locating your business in Leith. Spoiler: it is not just because it's cheaper.

A Unique, Historical Area With Great Amenities

If you know anyone from Leith, you will have heard them assert that they are specifically from Leith, instead of generally saying Edinburgh. This speaks to the distinctive local culture Leith has in store with its own charm and identity that can provide some personality to a business located there.

Now the tram line in Leith is finished (more on that later), bars, restaurants and cafes are now flourishing in the area. With this in mind, Leith can be seen as a great place for company staff to go out into, both day and night.

Street Mural Shona Hardie

Historically, Leith had a maritime history with Leith docks providing a large part of the local residents' employment. As part of the regeneration of the area, it has a diverse community and a strong creative scene. With this in mind, it would be an especially great location for businesses operating in the creative industries. That said, a series of finance, law and property firms call Leith home, so there is something for everyone.

Cost-Effective Alternative to City Centre Office Space

Edinburgh has a bustling economy which sees high demand in both its residential and commercial property markets, meaning it is a competitive landscape for businesses. In the city centre, space comes at a premium with areas such as the New Town and George Street reaching around £50 per square foot. The city centre is home to some of the world's largest finance and tech companies, so being part of such prestige comes at a cost.

Mitchell House, Mitchell Street Leith

However, businesses who are willing to venture a small distance away from the city centre will find significant savings are available. Leith offers a more affordable option with office space typically priced around £20 per square foot. In particular, here at Mitchell House, we provide an even more enticing solution, with prices starting from just £8.28 per square foot. The proximity to the city centre, coupled with the reduced costs, Leith provides a great offering for businesses looking to balance budget with location.

Fantastic Transport Links for All Types of Commutes

In 2019, the Edinburgh Tram network was extended down to Newhaven in the North of Edinburgh. In doing so, the city centre of Edinburgh was connected directly to Leith with a journey time of less than 15 minutes on average. The trams on the Edinburgh line run every 7 minutes, so it is a fantastic service for commuting in from the city centre. Further to this, Mitchell House on Mitchell Street is less than 2 minutes from the tram stop for 'The Shore'. For those commuting from further afield, the tram line is adjacent to the train terminus at Waverley station and Leith is a 40-minute tram ride away from Edinburgh Airport.

Edinburgh Trams at The Shore with Mitchell House in the Background

For those who like to get their steps in each day, Mitchell Street is a 30-minute walk down Leith Walk from Princes Street in the city centre. Leith Connections is a council-led project aiming to improve the experience for cyclists and walkers in the North of Edinburgh with the creation of cycle lanes and improved pavement access. The number 11, 16 and 25 buses run regularly from central Edinburgh to Leith. Lothian Buses has an excellent service all over the city for those looking to commute in from elsewhere in Edinburgh. Finally, if your preference is to drive, there is some parking available on Mitchell Street, subject to availability.

Growing Residential Opportunities

Leith is fast becoming one of Edinburgh's most sought-after districts, with a large investment in housing and urban development. A raft of historic former industrial units have been converted into domestic dwellings as part of the wider redevelopment of the area. The Office for National Statistics says that the average house price in Leith is 20% cheaper than in the city centre of Edinburgh, so it is a great opportunity for those priced out of the residential market in the city centre. The growth in Leith makes it an attractive proposition for those who are looking to relocate their business to the area and for employees who want to live near to their place of work.

Leith Links with Leith in the Background, Courtesy of Grey Arrows Drone Club

One part of the residential appeal in Leith is the abundance of green recreational spaces. Leith Links is one of the largest open parks in Edinburgh, ideal for lunchtime walks, team-building activities or relaxing in your time off from work. The Water of Leith Walkway provides a scenic waterside route ideal for walking and cycling. Also, Pilrig Park and Victoria Park offer extra options for leisure, exercise and community events. These green amenities help create a balanced lifestyle, making Leith a well-rounded choice for relocating offices.

Wrap Up

Overall, Leith stands out as a smart alternative to the city centre of Edinburgh. Leith offers a blend of heritage and affordability. From its thriving creative scene and growing residential appeal to great transport links and green spaces, the area supports business growth and quality of life.

Mitchell House provides an especially attractive option with competitive pricing, modern amenities and a prime location next to the tram line and offers a compelling case for being the location where you establish your business. If you want to make an enquiry today, you can call us on 0131 554 7564.