New architectural designs by Hoskins Architects for the proposed world-class hotel at Edinburgh’s former Royal High School have been revealed and the operator partner confirmed within a planning application submitted to City of Edinburgh Council.
Fundamentally different design after consultation process
Gareth Hoskins, the architect for the project, says the new designs respond to the comments made by heritage organisations and the public during the comprehensive consultation process earlier in the year. “We’ve listened and taken on board views from a wide range of organisations and individuals through the pre-planning process to develop a fundamentally different design for the site. The design focuses around an informed restoration of the central Hamilton-designed building, repairing its decaying fabric and maintaining the strong sculptural presence of its frontage without intervention. The existing building will be entirely given over to the public areas of the new hotel allowing its spaces to be fully accessible for the first time in the building’s history.
“Set away from the original building are two new wings containing the hotel’s bedrooms. Their organic shape with landscaped terraces and undulating copper façade, inspired by the layered volcanic landscape of both Calton Hill and nearby Salisbury Crags, allow the new wings to blend with the surrounding hill.
“The contrast of the form and colour of the new elements, together with the considered approach to the landscaping of not just the site but the streetscape around the former high school, allow this hugely important building to retain and reinforce its prominence as a key Edinburgh landmark.
“The proposed design will create not only a setting appropriate to the stature of the building but, along with other initiatives such as Collective Gallery within the observatory, it should also bring about a level of change that allows Calton Hill to once again become an active and vibrant destination and place within Scotland’s capital city.”
Rosewood Hotels and Resorts to manage the property
One of the world’s most respected hotel brands, Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, has been selected to manage the Calton Hill property. The company currently manages 18 properties in 11 countries including historic hotels such as The Carlyle in New York and Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany as well as contemporary classics such as the award-winning Rosewood London.
Rosewood has extensive experience of restoring and transforming historic buildings, many of which are listed or are located inside World Heritage Sites. In Paris, Rosewood is overseeing the complete restoration of Hôtel de Crillon, one of the world’s most iconic hotels.
Fully-funded £75 million plan
The fully-funded plan to invest more than £75m to restore and convert Thomas Hamilton’s masterpiece into a hotel of international standing is led by Duddingston House Properties and Urbanist Hotels.
David Orr, co-founder and chairman of Urbanist Hotels says that attracting a brand of Rosewood’s stature is a major coup for Edinburgh and Scotland: “Rosewood is a truly world-class hotel operator combining their ethos of local engagement with their hotels of international standing, a commitment to excellence and a proactive approach to building skills and professional careers.
“By bringing Rosewood to Edinburgh we will be able to showcase our beautiful capital city and Scotland’s creative and cultural talents to a new global audience. The full restoration of Thomas Hamilton’s masterpiece will create a new accessible destination for the Edinburgh locals and visitors alike.”