July 27 2016

Allan Murray Architects have submitted a change of use application for 27-31 James Craig Walk from student housing to hotel use as part of the wider St James Centre redevelopment, Edinburgh.

TIAA Henderson had originally intended to convert the existing block into housing but will now seek to utilise the structure as a hotel fronting St James Square by inserting a central bank of lifts in place of an existing turnpike stair and the insertion of a new roof.

In their design statement the architects stated: “The key aspect of the design is the beneficial improvement it brings to the public realm, specifically the new square. New entrances spring from here in the spirit of the original building: a set of four new contemporary staircases rise up to new stone doorcases in traditional style. At the same time, generous flights of steps descend to the lower level entrances, bringing much needed connectivity and activation to the public realm.”

A series of commercial units will be inserted at ground and first floor levels.

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