It is built on former industrial docklands on the north side of the city, at the edge of the boundary between formerly separate ports of Newhaven and Leith.

Ocean Terminal has a stop on the Edinburgh Trams light rail route, which opened with the Newhaven line extension in June 2023.

Ocean Terminal tram stop is an island platform located at the main entrance plaza.

[6][7] City of Edinburgh Council have approved plans for Phase One of a masterplan lodged by the centre’s owners that would see the northern section of the building demolished and a new frontage constructed, with retail units and public realm.

[8] Plans were submitted in November 2022 for Phase Two, which includes a large scale residential development, and received unanimous council approval in January 2024.