Heritage chiefs take dim view of city HQ

Heritage groups have blasted the "appalling" impact the complex has had on views of the Waverley Valley, the Old Town and Calton Hill.

Critics say it looks more like a "leisure centre" than a civic headquarters and say it is an ugly eyesore when seen from North Bridge and Jeffrey Street.

Both the Cockburn Association and the Edinburgh Old Town Association say the local authority should never have been able to effectively grant itself planning permission for the development on the corner of New Street and East Market Street.

And they have expressed fears that the height of the complex has set a "dangerous precedent" for other major developments in the area, such the hugely contentious Caltongate scheme.

The council has also come under fire for "light pollution" from the building, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The striking new building - which has been named Waverley Court - is shaped like a giant letter E, and is made mostly of concrete and glass.

The 200,000 square-foot site will become home to some 1600 staff by the end of February, when the building is expected to be officially unveiled.

However Moira Tasker, director of the Cockburn Association, said: "I think it looks appalling, to be honest.

"There is an official photopoint on North Bridge where you could take pictures of the Waverley Valley and the view has been completely ruined.

"The building completely detracts from Calton Hill and the Waverley Valley, particularly because of its height, but also because of its design.

"It looks more like a leisure centre than a civic headquarters and it'll be very interesting to see what it looks like in ten years' time. I've also noticed that the lights seem to be on all the time throughout the building even where there are just a few people there, which is simply light pollution.

"One of the most concerning things for us has been that this building will set a dangerous precedent for future developments, like Caltongate. The council shouldn't have been able to approve this building without it being referred to the Scottish Executive."

Rosemary Mann, of the Edinburgh Old Town Association, said: "The council broke its own guideline on the Waverley Valley when it allowed something of this height to be built.

"We said at the time it shouldn't have been allowed to approve the development, even though it applied for permission through Network Rail. There was a real whiffy smell about it then and it will forever be tainted as a result.

"The Waverley Valley, with its separation between the Old and the New Towns, was absolutely key to Edinburgh being designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

"The new council building is far too tall and bulky, and completely spoils the views from Jeffrey Street and North Bridge, looking down towards the Waverley Valley."

Cllr Brian Fallon, the city's property management leader, said: "I'm neither a planner nor a builder, but this development went through the full planning process, and I do think it's very attractive, as well as being one of the most sustainable buildings in the city.

"I think the people of Edinburgh will grow to like it. It is just not possible to please all the people all of the time."

The council says Waverley Court is "one of Edinburgh's most environmentally-friendly buildings" thanks to its grassed roof terraces, the way rainwater is collected and then used to wash the streets and its use of solar energy panels.