July 19 2023

Changed market demands have sparked moves to turn an unlisted building off Edinburgh's Royal Mile into serviced apartments, 20 years after it was converted to offices.

Crichton Hotels with Studio LBA propose to refashion Crichton House as 18 short-stay flats while retaining the industrial character of the former brewhouse with minimal exterior alterations.

Set within the Old Town Conservation Area the works will introduce streamlined windows and doors and signage to the facade, with glass screens and curtains employed internally to maximise light and views despite the modest window proportions.

In a planning statement, the applicant wrote: "The aim of this project is to restore life to the now redundant Crichton House, which although is not listed, does represent an insight into the local area's industrial past.

"The proposals seek to preserve the architectural integrity of the envelope, whilst making improvements to all existing windows and doors, which are now failing in some locations and would benefit from replacement.

"The building is in desperate need of refurbishment and conversion to bring life and economy back to this area, and the proposals seek to allow this."

A new fire escape and smoke vent will be installed as part of the project, with protective safety barriers added to windows.

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