School and Calton Hill revamp puts first pearl on city's string

Published on Friday 9 May 2008 10:27

A BLUEPRINT for a major revamp of the former Royal High School and the Calton Hill area is set to be approved by city councillors.

The move is the first step in the "string of pearls" masterplan to transform the city centre, with specific designs for the revival of Princes Street now expected within months.

The revamp has won widespread support from heritage bodies and community groups, paving the way for a range of buildings in and around the historic school to be redeveloped or replaced.

The proposals include new cafes and shops and possibly a hotel or flats, while the central campus building will house a new cultural attraction, such as the long-awaited national photography centre.

A few changes have been made on the advice of consultees such as Historic Scotland and the Edinburgh World Heritage Trust.

These include downsizing plans for a European-style "piazza" to a more modest "public realm", while the council has vowed to protect the former school's historic features, including a listed telephone kiosk.

The area – known as "block ten" of the city centre redevelopment – was the first to have its own detailed brief drawn up.

Council leader Jenny Dawe, who this week called for action to improve Princes Street, said today: "Calton Hill and the Royal High buildings are iconic symbols of Edinburgh and it is therefore very fitting that this should be the first block to be developed as part of the city centre rejuvenation.

"We want to create better access to the Princes Street area and encourage people to spend time there, by building on the cultural and tourism opportunities linked to the site."

Among the buildings earmarked for a revamp are the school's gym, which was built in 1885 and could become a hotel, hospitality facilities or flats.

Walkways would also be upgraded to create a more attractive location for pedestrians.

Backers of the national photography centre scheme recently submitted a final business case for the 20 million venture to the Scottish Government. But there are a number of other investors and organisations who also have in interest in the school building.

The council's director of city development, Dave Anderson, said: "The successful regeneration of the area will be largely dependent on a viable reuse for the former Royal High School.

"This will encourage movement to and within the area, and help realise the aspirations contained within the brief."

More work will be carried out on transport arrangements at the site, following a warning from Lothian Buses that any attempt to restrict traffic on Regent Road will displace vehicles on to London Road or the Royal Mile.

There were also warnings that air pollution could worsen as a result, and the need for another hotel and a tourist information centre has been questioned.

No cost or timescale has yet been attached. But if, as expected, councillors back the scheme next Thursday, officers will approach interested investors.

Separate development briefs for blocks one to seven of the city centre – from Charlotte Square to the St James Centre – are likely to go out for consultation over the summer.