Watch as drone footage of Edinburgh's Jenners building shows start of construction works

It wooed generations of shoppers with its Victorian grandeur and earned an international reputation as one of the oldest department stores in the world. Now, construction work to return Jenners to its former glory as part of a major multi-million pound restoration project has begun.

In what is a major step forward as part of plans to reinstate one of Edinburgh’s best loved destinations, a team has started on the shell and core works to transform the Princes Street building.

The beginning of what has been described as a “new chapter” in the history of the structure will ultimately restore the famous store, and create a hotel in disused rooms above it. As part of the works, the famous atrium - a three-storey, top-lit grand saloon - is also being reinstated to its former splendour. In total, the plan across nine floors of the building will create 7,000 square metres of retail space, including cafes and restaurants, and around 10,000sqm of hotel space.  

Jenners is one of the world's oldest department stores. Picture: Alistair Leith | Alistair Leith

The commencement of the works marks a milestone in a development that has been hit by tragedy.

In January 2023, parts of the building were gutted by a blaze that claimed the life of firefighter Barry Martin. At its height, more than 100 firefighters and 22 fire appliances were at the scene of what was described as a “serious and complex fire”. The redevelopment will include a permanent memorial to Mr Martin in the atrium. 

According to Graham, the plans for the category A-listed structure, led by David Chipperfield Architects, focus on a “sensitive restoration” that will revive many original features lost over time, while also creating a “contemporary mixed-use space”.

Aerial drone footage shows the site of the Jenners building on Princes Street as construction works start. Picture: GRAHAM | GRAHAM

Gary Holmes, the firm’s regional managing director, said: “Edinburgh is a globally renowned city with a thriving hotel and leisure sector that draws visitors from around the world. It is exciting to see such an ambitious development taking shape, marking a new chapter for one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings.

“Graham is proud to contribute to this historic transformation. Our team’s expertise will ensure a sensitive restoration as we work to bring the new vision for this landmark to life. We thank the owners of Jenners for believing in us and providing us with this great opportunity.”

The work will restore the stonework of the Princes Street building. Picture: Alistair Leith | Alistair Leith

Founded in 1838, Jenners is one of the oldest department stores in the world to continuously trade from the same site. After the original building was destroyed by a fire in 1892, architect William Hamilton Beattie designed the existing building in the Victorian renaissance revival style, with further extensions added in the 1950s and 1960s.

The building was sold to private investors in 2005 after Mike Ashley’s House of Fraser firm bought the Jenners brand and property. It was then bought in 2017 by AAA United, a company owned by Danish billionaire, Anders Holch Povlsen, for a reported £53 million.

Prior to the fire, the building had been vacant since May 2021, after House of Fraser was unable to strike a deal with Mr Povlsen’s firm on the extension of a tenancy deal.