Flats set to rid the river of Babylon

The Egyptian-themed Babylon on Great Junction Street, beside the Water of Leith, was launched amid a blaze of publicity in 2002 but closed more than a year ago.

Now, the eyesore building is set to be turned into 30 flats, including three penthouses.

The building’s distinctive frontage - which dates back to the late-1930s - would be preserved, while an upmarket riverside restaurant is also planned for the site

The former cinema at the back of the complex will be demolished to make way for the apartments designed around a communal garden terrace.

At least two existing shops facing Great Junction Street will also be incorporated into the scheme, with the storefronts re-instated to the style of the original building.

The edge of the site facing the Water of Leith will feature the new restaurant and riverside terrace accessed by a glass lift from the street.

The developer plans to refurbish the front area of the building including the entrance and foyer, which will form the main access to the new development.

Alistair Scott, director of architects Smith Scott Mullan Associates, said: "We see this project as a major opportunity to improve one of the main entry points into central Leith.

"The current situation is unacceptable and a building which once must have brought people a sense of enjoyment and excitement now only demonstrates the problems of urban decline.

"Although the original State Cinema was thought advanced for its day, it is interesting that the original design pays absolutely no regard to the neighbouring Water of Leith. Obviously in the late 1930s this river, which is so prized today, was not thought worthy of any attention.

"We are proposing to reverse this and make a building which adds life to the river by overlooking it with large windows, balconies, terraces, and a major restaurant.

"This is an exciting scheme which not only refurbishes an important landmark building but recreates the sense of drama which the old cinema must have contributed to the streetscape."

David McDonald, director of the Cockburn Association, today welcomed the re-use of the building, but added: "We will be reviewing the proposal at our next meeting. Reuse of historic property is essential and can breathe new life into otherwise unused premises.

"The kind of issue we will look at are the heights of the extensions, the use of materials and the appropriateness of the alterations to the historic fabric."

The new owner, Glasgow-based developer Walter Barratt, has lodged a planning application for the project, which will require the approval of Historic Scotland.

The Category B-listed building, designed by James Miller, opened in the late 1930s as the State Cinema, which stayed in operation until 1972.

The cinema featured billiard rooms, a skittle alley and shops.

But the decline of cinema-going led to its conversion to a Mecca bingo hall and latterly to the unsuccessful club.

The Babylon nightspot was the city’s fourth biggest club when it was opened by Carnegies Leisure Group.

Spectacular glass bridges, towering Sphinx statues and palm trees were all billed as key features in the new club.

More than 3 million was reportedly spent turning the historic building in Great Junction Street into a "luxurious" haven for clubbers.