Plans for a new boutique hotel development, set within a gap in the Old Town of Edinburgh have been announced today. The project, designed by jmarchitects for the EDI Group will create a flagship hotel overlooking the Waverley Valley.
The 7-floor, 98 bedroom hotel, will include a resident’s lounge and executive area for guests on the top floor with panoramic views of the city. The new hotel will be situated in a prime location within Edinburgh’s Unesco World Heritage Site facing North towards the New Town.
The proposal, which occupies a gap site on Market Street, would see the demolition of an existing unlisted building – a vacant former garage building – which has remained unused in excess of fifty years.
A planning application and concurrent conservation area consent application for demolition have recently been submitted on behalf of the EDI Group Ltd. If approved, the hotel development would represent a £15 million investment for Edinburgh and will assist to rejuvenate the Market Street area. The hotel will be situated in close proximity to Waverley train station, as well as being in the heart of the city centre making it appealing for tourists and business travellers.
Rod Duncan, Design Director in jmarchitects Edinburgh studio, led on the project. He comments:
“The patterns of place and architecture within Edinburgh’s Old Town have been determined by many different factors throughout the life of the city, which have, in turn, generated an enormously complex urban condition. In understanding this DNA, we believe we have created a site specific, ‘biogeographical’ response to these historic patterns and processes which celebrate the unique qualities of the Old Town. The design is intended to be non-invasive and respectful of its neighbouring buildings while at the same time unapologetically of its own time and culture. An evolution of its context and truly indigenous.”
Cllr Frank Ross, Chair of the EDI Group Ltd, said: “Hospitality is a critical part of the annual spend within the City. Expanding the hotel offering in Edinburgh makes our City a coveted destination for a wide variety of travellers – those on business, tourism and others. Not only would this boutique hotel mean boosting visits to Edinburgh, but would mean the creation of 75 jobs.”
Photograph: Andrew Lee