Seven rivals for rebirth of capital’s Ross Bandstand

● Architects leading Glasgow School of Art revamp in running

The firm leading the restoration of Glasgow School of Art’s iconic Mackintosh Building is in the running to create a new outdoor concert arena for Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens.

Glasgow-based architects Page/park is one of seven contenders for the long-awaited project to replace the Ross Bandstand and overhaul facilities in the much-loved park.

However, they face competition from the United States, Japan, Denmark and Norway for the right to lead the £25 million project. The finalists were drawn from 125 entries submitted from 22 countries around the world.

One American practice, Why, which has previously worked with Yoko Ono, has recruited actor Alan Cumming to support its bid, along with writers Aaron Hicklin and Beatrice Colin.

Copenhagen-based practice BIG was behind the design for the new Danish Maritime Museum, while Londonbased firm Adjaye Associates worked on the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington and the Moscow School of Management business school.

Each contender has until June to produce final designs, which will then go on public display in before the winner is selected in August.

Page\park was appointed two years ago to head up the revival of the art school’s A-listed “Mack Building,” after it suffered extensive fire damage in in May 2014. The firm also led the project to breathe new life into Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Bandstand.

The Ross Development Trust, set up by Apex Hotels founder Norman Springford to pursue the bandstand development, will announce the winning design in August. Author Alexander Mccall Smith and Sir Mark Jones, a former director of the National Museum of Scotland, will be on the judging panel.

The historic arena, which dates back to 1877 and was last overhauled in 1935, hosts major events during the Edinburgh International Festival and over Hogmanay. But last year it was branded “no longer fit for purpose” by Edinburgh City Council, which agreed to join forces with Mr Springford after he pledged £5m towards a replacement. It is hoped work will get under way next year ahead of a planned 2020 opening.

A chunk of Princes Street Gardens is also expected to be carved out for a new underground complex with a 200-capacity events space and cafe-bar overlooking the castle and the new arena.

0 The Ross Bandstand hosts festival and Hogmanay concerts

Mr Springford said: “The quality of the 125 teams on the long list sent a strong signal that the international design community regards this as an inspirational project for Edinburgh that has huge potential to reinvigorate this prestigious site. Selecting the shortlist with our partners from the city council was an intense and demanding process.

“We’re thrilled that our final shortlist achieved a balance of both international and UK talent, emerging and established studios.”