January 14 2021

An A-listed New Town bank is to begin a new life as 29 serviced apartments under new plans filed by Fletcher Joseph Associates.

Originally designed by Thomas Purves Marwick in 1908 71 George Street will be reorganised internally for the change in use, together with a new stair and service elevator as well as a rooftop extension.

The baroque facade will remain largely unaltered externally with rooftop additions sitting below chimney height and set back from the existing slate roof to form private roof terraces.

Outlining their approach to the upper floor the architects wrote: "A ‘glass box’ extension, when added to an old building, can provoke a mixed reaction. As a device, this articulates a clear, contemporary addition while offering some transparency in terms of material. The challenge of any addition is to ensure that junctions between old and new are carefully detailed but predominantly, it’s function is to be more than aesthetic and the material used as a means to capture the panoramic views enjoyed from the 5th floor, while being aware of the existing structure."

This discreet approach will ensure that rooftop additions remain largely invisible from key views along George and Frederick Street. 

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