Work begins on ‘Museums Hub’ revamp

The Evening News revealed earlier this year, that the city council was planning an expansion of the Museum of Edinburgh, in Huntly House, and a revamp of neighbouring Acheson House.

The plans will include a new audiovisual display telling the Capital’s story, a new shop and cafe, upgraded toilets, a cloakroom and a community garden.

And council chiefs have awarded Clark Contracts the £750,000 remit to carry out the refurbishment, due to be completed in February.

Once complete, Edinburgh World Heritage plans to relocate from Charlotte Square to Acheson House.

Gordon Cunningham, managing director of Clark Contracts, said, “We have developed extensive experience working on listed buildings and we very much look forward to completing both of these buildings.”

Councillor Deidre Brock, the city’s culture and leisure leader, said: “Acheson House is one of the Old Town’s most historic buildings and our long term vision is to bring it back to life as part of a Museums Hub.”