UK: A planning application has been submitted on behalf of property developer Chris Stewart Group by architect 3DReid for an aparthotel on the corner of Queensferry Street and Shandwick Place in Edinburgh.
The planning application has been submitted to the City of Edinburgh Council for the construction of a 115-room aparthotel and hotel across three sites. The property would be staffed 24 hours a day and is estimated to create 30 jobs.
A restaurant and betting shop currently operate at the site. If the application is accepted, the former Scotbet shop would form part of a new reception lobby area with shared lounge and seating. The Vesta restaurant would be closed temporarily.
The design statement from 3DReid read: “The site has seen a number of piecemeal development changes over time, largely driven by commercial interests. This has resulted in a patchwork of varying façade styles, materials, window openings and proportions.
“Through acquiring and combining several adjacent buildings that have been under-utilised for many years, it is now possible for significant regeneration to happen through a coordinated proposal for redevelopment and refurbishment.
“Most of the proposed accommodation, 115 bedrooms total, can be contained within the existing building fabric although some alterations and extensions at roof level and to the rear facing the lane are required to facilitate the proposal.
“It is proposed to convert and connect the upper floors of all three buildings to hotel use. The upper floors are presently vacant and/or underused, and (although there are some rooms of architectural interest) the interiors are generally in poor condition and in need of considerable repair and upgrading to bring them back into use.
“Significant structural work is required internally to create hotel bedrooms and modern serviced accommodation. Existing floor levels will be raised and modified to enable level access between the three existing buildings.
“The design aims to maximise accessibility and inclusivity throughout, whilst maintaining existing features of the historic fabric. Although existing stair cores will be rationalised incorporating new lifts to facilitate wheelchair access to all levels of the building, there are a wide variety of different floor levels between the existing buildings so stepped access is proposed in certain areas.
“Accessible bedrooms and bathrooms are consolidated within other areas of the bloc near the lifts. Accessible bathrooms are provided on both basement and ground floor. Hearing loops will be provided in the main reception, and Braille provided on room signs and inside elevators.”
