South African firm Artisan Real Estate has this week confirmed that Edinburgh’s Victorian arches are to be converted into a retail and leisure quarter in the latest phase of the redevelopment of the city’s Old Town.
The arches, which were constructed in 1875, are located under Jeffrey Street and are currently protected by a C-listed status, meaning that much of the work to be conducted will be cosmetic. However, developers maintain that this will allow for the establishment of 15 new retail and leisure units, leaving four arches in their current condition as they are not tall enough for public use.
Under the plans, the tallest of the arches will be transformed into a three storey development with a rooftop terrace offering views over the surrounding area. The remaining 14 will be converted into smaller units to be occupied by bars, restaurants and independent retailers, creating the type of “leisure based environment” currently popular among urban developers.
Project director Clive Wilding believes that the conversion will offer members of the public a never-before available opportunity to tap into an iconic piece of Edinburgh’s architectural heritage.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to create a completely new kind of retail and leisure experience, right in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town,” he told The Scotsman.
“The arches were traditionally used for storage areas and have never been accessible to the public, so it’s an amazing opportunity to open up an historic part of the city that has never been seen before.”
“The arches will bring an interesting and vibrant new dimension to our New Waverley development, which is now progressing on all fronts.”
Emerging from the failed Caltongate development, which collapsed in 2009 following years of economic turmoil, the New Waverley scheme intends to rejuvenate Edinburgh’s Old Town as a top destination for both residents and the millions of visitors flocking to the Scottish city each year. Altogether, the project is forecast to cost £150 million after gaining full planning permission in January of last year.
The New Waverley plans have generated controversy, with many campaigners – including Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh – signing a petition condemning the design as a “massive, stale, sterile modernist confection of concrete” that will “tear apart the fabric of this great city”.
However, they have also attracted huge interest from potential occupiers, with major names including Adagio Aparthotel and Whitbread having already signed up for space.
Mr Wilding believes the arches will also prove immensely popular, continuing; “We are now speaking to a wide range of potential occupiers but want to see them converted into bars, cafes, restaurants and independent niche retailers, as well as providing distinctive venues for arts events and food markets.
“This will bring tremendous energy to the area, linking closely to both the Royal Mile and the new public square which lies at the heart of the development.”
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