St James Quarter: 'Anxious wait for workmen to arrive on site'

THE demolition crews were due to be moving in right now to knock down the ugly 1960s office block that towers above the St James Centre.

Instead, we learn today that we will have to wait until the New Year at least for what will be a highly symbolic moment for the Capital.

Not only will the razing of St Andrews House spell the beginning of the end for the notorious eyesore St James Centre, it will also signal the start of an exciting new era.

The 850 million St James Quarter due to rise in its place will be the most significant shopping development in Edinburgh for almost 20 years. Industry observers are anxiously waiting for workmen to arrive on site - the clearest sign that the poor economic climate will not derail such a vital project.

The delay causes inevitable concern despite the developers' confident claim that the new shopping district will still open on time in 2016.

We know at least that Henderson Global Investors (HGI), one of Europe's richest investment funds, has the resources to press ahead, unlike the Caltongate developers who were reliant on the banks. But the city council, which is involved in complex negotiations with HGI, must do all it can to keep things on track.

Repeated economic studies tell us that Edinburgh is well placed to emerge from the economic downturn - but it is investment like this which will ensure that proves to be true. We will all have reason to cheer when they do eventually swing into action.

Hibs' nod to history

FOOTBALL fans can be a surprisingly conservative bunch, so it will be interesting to see what Hibbies think of their team's new home strip.

Like last year's reaction to the unveiling of the current Hearts' top, with its white panel instead of the traditional solid maroon, the initial reaction down Leith way is likely to be one of surprise, and possibly even shock.

Gone is the traditional solid green trunk with white sleeves and piping. In its place is a two-tone affair - still green, of course, but with different shades separated by a slanting stripe. But there's a nod to history in this most modern of strips, with a return of the old bottle green colour, while the stripe is said to be a tribute to the famous Easter Road slope.

The marketing team down Leith way will be watching reaction anxiously, for the sale of replica strips is a major revenue generator.

We could be wrong, but we predict Hibbies will warm to the new design - so long as Colin Calderwood's men show some eye-catching style too.