Smaller may be better for Assembly Rooms plan

NEWS that Edinburgh city council has failed – for a second time – in its bid to secure Heritage Lottery Funding for a long overdue refurbishment of the Assembly Rooms in George Street can only add to the gloom setting in over the city's prospects. The plan was for the £12 million revamp to be completed in time for Scotland's capital to offer an attractive counterpoint to the 2012 London Olympics. The project was not without controversy, and had been opposed by promoters of Fringe event

A depressing feature of this setback is that without lottery fund support, all other financial support, such as that from Historic Scotland and the Scottish Arts Council automatically falls away: it's all or nothing.

The Assembly Rooms are important because for generations they have been a popular rendezvous point for artists, audiences, artistic directors, event organisers and city officials. But over the years it has lost its lustre and now has a rundown and forlorn appearance. A revamp has long been needed. But for projects of this kind to win lottery funding support where competition is intense, it is vital for renovation plans to gain the widest possible support and for users to unite behind the submission. A more modest renovation which keeps more of the building's period features yet adapts the space for contemporary needs may well stand a better chance of success. It is vital fresh proposals are drawn up, they secure broad support and that the city does not lose heart.