Wraps taken off £20m hotel for capital tram route

Published on Thursday 9 April 2009 21:34

DEVELOPERS yesterday unveiled plans for a £20 million hotel development earmarked for a major gap-site on Edinburgh's tram route.

Images show how part of a former bus and tram depot dating back to the 19th century will become home to a 120-room hotel.

About 50 jobs will be created in the first phase of a long-delayed development off Leith Walk, which will boast several tram stops once the system is up and running in 2011.

A Singapore-based property giant, which has taken over the site from an Edinburgh developer, has pledged to start work on the hotel next year, subject to planning permission.

More than 300 homes will also be built behind the hotel – which will have a bar, restaurant and conference facilities – in the next few years.

The plans for the hotel were drawn up after Frasers Property, the new owners of the site at Shrub Place, decided to ditch previously approved office blocks and retail units in favour of an "apart-hotel".

It says the tram route is a major factor in its decision to go ahead with the project, which will be aimed at the business tourism market.

The company has other ventures under its "Frasers Suites" brand all over the world, including London, Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong.