January 28 2015

Edinburgh City Council has granted approval to conversion of office accommodation on the city’s Buccleuch Street to be converted into student housing.

Plans drawn up by JM Architects on behalf of the University of Edinburgh will return the tenement block to residential use together with the conservation and preservation of period details – although lost features will not be reinstated.

This will create flats ranging in size from three beds to seven bed maisonettes with principal rooms reinstated as living and kitchen spaces.

Part of the southside conservation area the B-listed buildings were constructed in the 18th century as part of the George Square masterplan, subsequently much altered in the 1960s during a period of university expansion undertaken by Sir Basil Spence and Glover & Ferguson.

In their design statement JM noted: “The aim is to strengthen the respectful nature the University has towards its estate by refurbishing the ‘B’ listed Buccleuch Place buildings. To achieve this the proposals wish to reinstate the original flat layouts where possible and strengthen or recreate where possible the original features. The aim is also to provide a design that delivers conservation gain in line with listed buildings recommendations while still providing modern comfortable facilities for all the students.”

Subsequent phasing may see redevelopment of mews buildings along Meadow Lane.

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