Pret a Manger founder signs up for SoCo development as Whiteburn submit detailed planning application for Cowgate fire-hit site
One of the UK's most innovative hotels, led by the founder of Pret a Manger, has checked-in to Edinburgh’s SoCo, as a planning application is submitted for the prominent Old Town site.
Hoxton Urban Lodge has struck a deal with Edinburgh developer Whiteburn Projects to construct a 200 plus bedroom hotel as part of a mixed use re-development of the derelict Cowgate fire-hit site in the heart of the Scottish capital.
The boutique hotel company, run by Sinclair Beecham, the co-founder of the sandwich chain Pret a Manger, has reached an agreement with Whiteburn coinciding with the submission of a detailed planning application to the City of Edinburgh Council for the £40 million SoCo development.
Subject to planning approval and the granting of the necessary liquor licenses from the local authority, construction could start next year, with completion anticipated within a further two years.
The hotel represents the Hoxton group's first foray outside London and forms part of ambitious expansion plans for the company across the UK.
John Shepherd, chief executive of Whiteburn, said: “We had a great response from a number of leading hotel operators, however, the Hoxton philosophy epitomised our own approach to the site.
With its funky budget boutique approach, this hotel hit the ground running when it opened in Shoreditch, one of London’s hippest districts, last year - and I am certain Hoxton will absolutely hit the mark on South Bridge too.
"It will become the destination for people to stay, work and relax, within a vastly improved environment - providing jobs and kick-starting the regeneration of the whole South Bridge/Cowgate area – a very positive event in these uncertain times!"
He added: "Whiteburn Projects has also worked hard to meet the City of Edinburgh Council's planning brief for this site, at the same time addressing Edinburgh’s shortage of hotel bedrooms."
Sinclair Beecham, of Hoxton Urban Lodge, said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to build our second hotel in the Scotland’s first destination city. Whiteburn and Allan Murray Architects have done a terrific job in accommodating our demanding requirements for an efficient, modern hotel operation into a sensitive World Heritage site such as this one in Edinburgh’s Old Town.”
Allan Murray Architects of Edinburgh, enlisted by Whiteburn to draw up designs for the project, said the design was a contemporary interpretation of the existing buildings on South Bridge and the Cowgate.
"SoCo will be a collection of buildings in sympathy with the contrasting urban grains of Chambers Street, South Bridge and the Cowgate, complemented by a network of closes and vennels. A series of courts, terraces and entrance spaces at different levels, with different uses will bring vibrancy to the area."
The SoCo development, accessed primarily from South Bridge, but also the Cowgate, will feature a restaurant and bar, along with business facilities and a retail kiosk.The hotel entrance on South Bridge will feature a dramatic atrium space behind the natural sandstone façade, dropping down into the new restaurant.
Central to Whiteburn’s plan is the creation of two new courtyards within the site, opening up to cafe and restaurant terraces, linked to South Bridge and Chambers Street via two new pends, and down to the Cowgate opposite Blair Street, via new public steps.
The existing steps down from Guthrie Street will be retained and Hastie’s Close will be substantially repaired and repaved. The view to the historic Old College dome from Hunter Square has been enhanced as part of the proposals - now complemented by a new focal point tower on Cowgate, with a glazed link bridge over the steps to the re-constructed South Bridge gable.
A retail unit on South Bridge, and a business centre and a potential festival venue on the Cowgate, are also proposed. The business centre will benefit from the flourishing conference market in the Scottish capital.
The site includes the upper levels of the existing former University of Edinburgh's corner building on 1-3 Chambers Street and a small annex building of the neighbouring Faith nightclub. Key to the scheme will be the reinstatement of the former la Belle Angele nightclub and an extension to the Jazz cellar on Chambers Street.
Discussions have already taken place with various stakeholders, including Edinburgh World Heritage Trust, Historic Scotland, business leaders, councillors and community groups.
The proposals follow the development brief which lays down guidelines for any redevelopment and which was approved by the City of Edinburgh Council, following extensive consultation in 2003.
The South Bridge/Cowgate site, at one time the bustling J&R Allan department store, was home to a host of retail outlets, offices, pubs and venues, including the Gilded Balloon comedy venue, Bridge Jazz Bar, La Belle Angele nightclub, Leisureland amusement arcade, The Living Room bar & club and the University of Edinburgh’s School of Informatics. The buildings were destroyed by a major blaze in December 2002, which attracted worldwide attention.
Whiteburn assembled the site by buying out the former owners during 2006, through a painstakingly complex legal process, taking 18 months to complete.
