Edinburgh job is part of £850m mixed-use scheme

A hotel by Jestico & Whiles, described by its developer as a “bundle of coiled ribbons”, has been approved by planners at Edinburgh council.

The scheme is part of a wider £850 million mixed-use regeneration project by Allan Murray Architects and BDP in the Scottish capital that was OK’d last month.

Called Edinburgh St James, this scheme includes knocking down a 1970s shopping and replacing it with 70,000sq m of retail space, up to 250 new homes, 30 restaurants and a multi-screen cinema – along with the new 210 bedroom hotel.

Developer TH Real Estate – which is part of Henderson – said work to demolish the current St James Centre is expected to begin early next year with the entire scheme due to complete in 2020.

TH Real Estate director of development Martin Perry said: “The building will be the centrepiece of Edinburgh St James and will reinforce the city’s position as an international destination. The hotel’s iconic design has already generated interest from global hotel operators.”

The entire project covers close to 160,000sq m and is being anchored by a John Lewis store.

Heinz Richardson, director at Jestico & Whiles said it would make an “exceptional” contribution to the Scottish capital.

“We are delighted that our proposal has been approved and grateful to the City of Edinburgh Council for its visionary support,” he added.