Planning News

A plan has been lodged for the demolition of the building at 525 Ferry Road (opposite Leonardo) which is being used by Edinburgh Palette. It would be replaced by a residential development with some commercial use. A public consultation event was held in the building on 29 October. The application is made by Artisan Real Estates which is the company behind the development off the Royal Mile in the Old Town. More information on this important site on their website: 525parkview.co.uk

Picardy Place has had many lives. Who remembers the kinetic sculpture?

The Manuscript of Monte Cassino (the sculpture at the front of St Mary's Cathedral which was donated by Sir Tom Farmer) has now been back in place for some time after a temporary removal to London Road during the tram works. There was a consultation on proposed designs for the Central Island with hopes that it would become a place for people to gather. Now the draft design for the £2.7 million project has been agreed in principle, and the contract to build it is out for procurement. Before any spades are put in the ground there will be a final, final design agreed. But for now this is what it looks like and we are to expect it to be built in Spring 2023 just as the trams are opening to the public. (See image above right)

At Davidson's Mains there is a proposal to build a 48 bedroom care home on the site of the former Clydesdale Bank. Additionally there is scope in the planning application for a car repair garage to be part of the scheme. Previously an outline application had been lodged for a residential development.

The six new shops on James Craig Walk opposite the entrance to the W Hotel in St James Quarter have now been completed and are ready for new tenants. (see image above)