Developers await hotel approval

In August 2010, Telereal Trillium submitted the proposal to turn the imposing former government office block on Clifton Terrace into a 157- bedroom hotel with retail on the ground floor and two houses at the rear.

Planning officials have recommended approval, although councillors will have the final say at a meeting on Wednesday.

The firm won some support from heritage groups. Marion Williams, director of the Cockburn Association, said: "We applaud the design of the proposed project, which calls for an increase in the overall footprint instead of increasing the existing height."

However, the Civic Trust also called for an impact study, to show how the proposals relate to the nearby projects at Morrison Street goods yard and Haymarket Station.

Plans for the 30-million revamp of Haymarket Station are also expected to get the go-ahead at the same meeting next week.