Edinburgh locals ‘deserve a say’ in future of former Royal Mail site after closure

‘The future of this really important site must be shaped with the full involvement of the local community.’

An Edinburgh MP who objected to the closure of a key local service has said residents deserve to have a say in what happens next, after the site was sold to a developer. Ian Murray, Labour MP for Edinburgh South, battled to prevent Royal Mail’s delivery office on Strathearn Road in Marchmont from being closed.

Despite it being well-used by the community, news that the office was reportedly set to close first came to light in January 2024. Murray also sent letters and hand-delivered a petition to Royal Mail’s London headquarters.

However, locals were suddenly told last September the office would close on October 20 – despite a campaign from Mr Murray and locals.

He was concerned, particularly for older people and those with mobility issues, that residents may need to travel to the delivery office in Murrayfield.

Mr Murray said over 2,000 locals had signed a second petition against the closure, with many also contacting him directly to express their frustration.

The site later shut its doors, and is understood to have been sold on March 20 to a Manchester-based residential developer.

Plans have yet to be submitted to the council while Mr Murray has tried to establish the developer’s intentions. In a formal letter, he explained the site was of “significant interest” to the community, writing: “Developments of this scale can have a lasting impact on the character of the area, as well as on local infrastructure, services and amenities.”

He added he was keen for the firm to engage with residents as soon as possible to address potential concerns and ensure any development reflected local priorities.

Speaking on Monday, Murray said: “I strongly opposed the closure of the Royal Mail delivery office on Strathearn Road, and I know many local residents were really concerned by the decision.

“The strength of feeling was clear, with large numbers of people signing my petition and contacting me directly to express their frustration at the loss of a well-used local service.

“Given that history, the future of this really important site must be shaped with the full involvement of the local community. Residents who were affected by the closure deserve a meaningful say in what comes next.

“I have formally written to the site’s new owners to seek clarity on their intentions for the site and to encourage early and constructive engagement with local residents.

“This is an important opportunity, and I hope the developer will work closely with the community to ensure any proposals reflect local needs and priorities for our area.

“I will continue to follow developments closely and do all I can to ensure that the community is listened to throughout this process.”

Royal Mail bosses, meanwhile, have sought to assure customers they will experience ‘no noticeable’ impact with posties for the EH9 staying the same and no job losses intended.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We can confirm that our Edinburgh South operation relocated to the Edinburgh City Delivery Office in October 2025. This move provided improved facilities for our colleagues and has helped deliver a better service for local residents.”