A city centre site, which has lain vacant for a number of years, is set for major regeneration, creating a landmark development and breathing new life into a neglected part of the Grassmarket.
A planning application has been lodged for the proposed redevelopment of the buildings on King’s Stables Road. These are being taken forward by a joint venture between Peveril Securities – the development arm of the Bowmer and Kirkland Group – and Campus Development Management. The site has been taken under-option from City of Edinburgh Council.
Hotel, public square with cafe
The proposed major mixed-use development will include a hotel; studios, one and two bedroom flats (including 25 per cent affordable housing); student accommodation, a new public square with café to the foot of King’s Bridge and an arts facility.
The development also includes the welcomed incorporation of the current Nightclub site and includes improved and enhanced public realm, including new routes and courtyards throughout, in-line with the character of the Old Town.
The current mix of buildings on the site – formerly Council offices, storage premises and workshops – have lain vacant since 2009 and were put on the market last year by the Council, who deemed them surplus to requirements.
The development, with its arts facility, will complement the Council’s wider aspirations for a new cultural quarter on the site of Argyle House and the linking of Castle Terrace with the Grassmarket and West Port.
King’s Stables Road has been identified by the Council as one of 12 “priority” development sites seen as crucial to the Capital’s economic future.
Much-needed life for the Old Town
Commenting on the proposal, Charles Vyvyan from Campus Development Management, said:
“This corner of the Grassmarket has lain neglected for a number of years, and these exciting proposals will breathe much-needed life into this part of the Old Town, providing a hotel, student accommodation, flats and facilities to accommodate and promote the arts.
“It was also pleasing to be able to incorporate the current Nightclub site into our proposals, a fact welcomed by the community, which has allowed us to improve public realm.
“We were highly sensitive to the fact that the site is within the UNESCO World Heritage site boundary, and as we worked our way through the planning process engaged closely with the local community, updating them on our proposals and listening to their feedback.
“We also want to ensure that the local community and stakeholders have plenty of further opportunity to comment on the proposals, and have invited the Council to extend the period for commenting on the planning application until later in January, to take account of the Christmas and New Year holiday period.”
