Artists priced out of Haymarket as students move in
January 17 2025
Industrial buildings close to Haymarket Station, last in use by over 70 artists, have been identified for the provision of 134 new student rooms.
The departure of Wasps Studios from West Park Place has seen RKA Architects, on behalf of Viridis Real Estate, step in with proposals to demolish the hodgepodge of existing structures. These would be replaced by a new build development of red brick and precast concrete in a direct reflection of the existing site condition.
Arranged around an enclosed sunken courtyard, two blocks of accommodation to Easter Dalry Wynd and West Park Place joined by a shared entrance, each of which will make use of textured brick and extruded elements to reflect the chimneys of neighbouring tenements.
Outlining the need for action the applicant wrote: "The former industrial buildings were previously owned by Working Artists Studio Provision Scotland (WASPS), a charity that is the UK’s largest provider of workspaces for artists and the creative industries.
"The charity has however been hit by a 'perfect storm' of rising costs and defunding, replicated across the sector. With £4 million needed to bring the building up to standard in terms of its structural condition, building security and energy efficiency, these escalating costs were simply unsustainable."
A planting bed and steps will be introduced on West Park Place to facilitate a level entrance on the steeply sloping site with existing stone pavers retained and reused.
Mixed brick and concrete detailing acknowledge the site's history
Raised planting beds will permit level access to the main entrance
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