Concert hall back on song after St James developers drop legal case
● Deal over Dunard Centre means new plans
Plans to build the first concert hall in Edinburgh for more than 100 years are back on track after the developers of the St James Centre dropped legal action against the proposals.
But developers have been forced to submit fresh plans for the Dunard Centre that “better accord with the aspirations” of the St James Centre quarter.
The St James Centre had launched legal action against Edinburgh City Council’s decision to approve planning permission for the £45 million Dunard Centre at St Andrew Square. The move forced Impact Scotland to put their plans on hold and explore options for alternative sites.
But mediation has resulted in the legal action being dropped, with a fresh planning application for the controversial concert hall to be resubmitted.
Sir Ewan Brown, chairman of Impact Scotland, said: “Our ambition is to create a worldclass concert hall for Edinburgh and Scotland. To deliver this timeously, we have made significant changes to the concert hall plans in order to reflect the sensitivities of the siteandtheneedsofourneighbours.”
The positive outcome came from a process of mediation, initiated by Edinburgh City Council, and led by Stephen O’rourke QC. The council and Edinburgh St James will jointly seek the permission of the Court of Session for the appropriate disposal of the Judicial Review proceedings. Impact Scotland and Edinburgh St James will work in partnership to ensure the successful delivery and then operation of the new concert hall.
Martin Perry, director of Nuveen Real Estate, the company behind the St James Centre, said: “We welcome the initiative to substantially reduce the size of the concert hall and we are happy to work with Impact Scotland and the
City of Edinburgh Council as Impact Scotland develops a new design which addresses our principal concerns.”
Council leader Adam Mcvey said: “I am delighted that agreement has been reached between the parties to get the concert hall back on track.
“This is an important new venue for our city and in one of the most sustainable locations, with fantastic public transport connections.”
The new concert hall is due to become the new home of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
Gavin Reid, the orchestra’s chief executive, said: “Naturally we are all absolutely delighted by the news and look forward to the next steps in realising this vital and long-held ambition”
The Dunard Centre is being part-funded by the Edinburgh and Region City Deal.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “The Dunard Centre concert hall will bolster Edinburgh’s place as a global leader in culture and music.”
“We welcome the initiative to substantially reduce the size of the concert hall and we are happy to work with Impact Scotland ...”
MARTIN PERRY