Property expert welcomes 'spaceship' hotel for Haymarket

Published on Saturday 28 June 2008 11:02

A LEADING property expert has welcomed the approval of controversial plans to build two new hotels at Haymarket.

The 200 million development, which includes a 17-storey hotel, was given the go-ahead by councillors earlier this week. Now Cameron Stott, director of Jones Lang LaSalle, said: "This is fantastic news for the whole of the city and a vote of confidence in Haymarket.

"This development will be an obvious expansion of the Exchange district and improve the connection with Haymarket Station. With two hotels already on board, we expect major interest from occupiers, with the excellent location being a major draw."

Some politicians have described the flagship building as "world-class," claiming it will enhance Edinburgh's skyline. But city centre councillor Charles Dundas said it looked like "an alien spaceship dropped in from Doctor Who".

Final approval from Scottish ministers is still required, because the council has a financial interest in the land.