December 19 2022

The ongoing retail-to-leisure transition of Edinburgh's Princes Street has taken another step forward with the redevelopment of the former Zara, Russell & Bromley and Next stores.

Ruby Hotels has purchased multiple properties from 104-108 Princes Street with a view to partial demolition and rebuild to accommodate a 300-bed hotel, with a mix of retail, bars and restaurants on the ground floor.

3DReid Architects propose significant alterations and extensions two B-listed properties, with potential for rear facade retention to Rose Street South Lane and the demolition of a later 1970s building.

Aiming to restore the historic block pattern it is intended to recreate a lost rear courtyard and ensure replacement structures adhere to existing plot widths.

In a statement, the applicant wrote: "The current retail land use is in severe decline with several large units within the street block on Princes Street having closed in recent years. This includes the former Debenhams department store which occupied three properties at 109-112 Princes Street and the three buildings within the site.

Feedback on the current plans should be made no later than 9 January with a planning application expected to follow in March.  

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