Demolition work begins to pave way for massive retail and leisure scheme

Edinburgh St James

Laing O’Rourke has been confirmed as main contractor on Edinburgh’s £1bn St James Centre project.

The contractor - which had previously won a pre-construction agreement on the city centre retail and leisure job - started demolition work this week.

The Allan Murray-designed 1.7 million sq ft scheme incorporates 850,000 sq ft of retail space anchored by a John Lewis, a hotel, up to 250 homes, 30 restaurants and a multi-screen cinema.

Jestico & Whiles designed the luxury hotel that will be the centrepiece of the development.

Confirmation comes after investor APG agreed to help fund the project, taking a 75% stake, with developer TH Real Estate retaining 25% ownership.