Architect's rescue bid for capital 'albatross'

Published on Sunday 28 January 2007 01:20

ONE OF Britain's leading design gurus has outlined his vision for a radical revamp of Edinburgh's Princes Street as a world-class boulevard.

Sir Terry Farrell, whose three-year unpaid stint as the city's design "champion" is about to come to an end, suggests the east end of the famous street should become the retail hub of the city centre.

Meanwhile, the central and west sections should become a magnet for cafes and restaurants, with high-quality housing above, he says.

Farrell, who has designed some of the world's most memorable buildings, outlines his vision in the latest edition of Holyrood magazine.

He describes Edinburgh as an "albatross of its own success", hampered in making bold new changes because of its status as a World Heritage site.

His proposals for Princes Street are aimed at boosting its attractions to shoppers and tourists at a time when its retailers face increasing competition from out-of-town shopping malls.

Farrell says the remedy often put forward is to start knocking down buildings and putting bigger ones in their place.

"But there is another way of looking at Princes Street," he says. "Ask yourself, is it a truly modern shopping centre or would it be better as a grand parade? You should really work with what you have got.

"You put the big floor space into the area that can take it. Then you take the centre and western parts of Princes Street and you work with its assets.

"You introduce a very wide pavement, kiosks and cafes in the gardens during the summer and turn it into a fantastic promenade."

The buildings on the north side, Farrell says, would have cafes and restaurants, while the upper floors could have small hotels and residential apartments "with a view unequalled in the world".