A former Michelin Star restaurant which shut down during the covid pandemic could be converted into new flats.
Many locals were left gutted when the hugely popular Castle Terrace announced its closure in June 2020.
Chefs Dominic Jack and Tom Kitchin said keeping the venue afloat amid the covid pandemic was "no longer financially viable" and the decision to close was "unavoidable".
The eatery, located at 33-34 Castle Terrace in the city's west end, earned a Michelin Star in 2012, two years after opening, before losing it in 2015.
The property has lay vacant since the closure, with no new operators for the restaurant coming forward. Edinburgh City Council are now considering plans which would see the space, which sits within a listed building, transformed into residential accommodation.
The proposal, which has been made on behalf of Frederick Properties Ltd, states the desire "to form four flats at ground floor level and three flats at lower ground floor within the footprint of a former restaurant."
READ MORE: New Edinburgh whisky and gin bar Tipsy Midgie opens this week
It continues: "The application property is A listed, within the World Heritage Site and West End Conservation Area.
"The property, last operating as a restaurant, has been unoccupied for approximately two years.
"When put up for sale by the owners no replacement operator could be found.
"Five of the proposed flats are dual aspect with windows to Castle Terrace to the front and the communal garden to the rear.
"The two flats without dual aspect have been designed to maximise the glazing to the rear garden.
"The majority of the ground and first floor layout is now open plan with very little of the original proportions retained."
Pictures included as part of the application also show how the empty restaurant looks now, with much of it remaining unchanged.
A Facebook message posted by Castle Terrace Chef Patron Dominic Jack in June 2020 said: "Sadly today, we have made the unavoidable decision to permanently close Castle Terrace. The impact of the coronavirus pandemic, along with the current guidelines, and no upcoming tourist trade in Edinburgh mean it is no longer financially viable for us to continue to operate.
"It is heart-breaking to close the doors after 10 successful years and it is not a decision we have made lightly.
"I want to personally thank all our loyal guests and visitors over the years, and for the special memories Castle Terrace has given me and my team. It’s a really sad day.
And devastated fans of the restaurants responded with their memories of dining there.
One said: "Such devastating news Dominic. So sad for you and your amazing team at Castle Terrace Restaurant.
"I have so many very special memories made at Castle Terrace and was looking forward to many more. Shocked and saddened. The tragedy of what is happening now in our wonderful industry."
Another customer of the restaurant said: "I’m so sad to hear this. My husband and I still talk about one of our favourite dining experiences we’ve had on our travels, and we definitely hoped to visit again. Best wishes for the future!"
To see the plans in full, you can visit the Edinburgh City Council website here.
