Victorious visions sought for Royal High School site

Published on Tuesday 2 June 2009 10:15

A DESIGN competition to find the best use for the former Royal High School building will be completed by May next year.

The contest, the first of its kind undertaken by the city council, was announced last month after a bid backed by Sir Sean Connery to turn the Regent Road building into a 20 million photography centre was abandoned.

The competition is seeking innovative, high-quality proposals for what is one of Edinburgh's most iconic buildings. A boutique hotel, restaurants and tourist centre have all been suggested for the crumbling structure.

The council has said that by May 2010 the tendering process will have identified a winning organisation. The scheme chosen will have to secure the future of the site and make it a sustainable commercial success.

The Royal High School was designed by Thomas Hamilton and built between 1825-9.

Councillor Tom Buchanan, the city's economic development leader, said: "The former Royal High School is a building of great cultural and historical significance. It is therefore vital that we find a use for the building which reflects its status.

"This competition provides an exciting opportunity to secure the long-term future of an Edinburgh landmark."

Anyone interested should register before 22 June.