Plans to transform the abandoned former Scottish Widows buildings in Edinburgh into a mix of new office and residential accommodation are set to be granted.
The site, consisting of 12 hexagonal offices on Dalkeith Road, has been earmarked for redevelopment since its closure three years ago. As part of the plans, most of the iconic buildings will remain.
Five modules are set to be demolished within the site - with new office space, a café and a creche to be built. As well as the redevelopment of the historic buildings, 174 apartments are to be built fronting Arthur's Seat.
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Planning officers from the City of Edinburgh Council have recommended the proposals be granted, subject to a legal agreement and site visit. Councillors are set to discuss in depth during next week's Development Management Sub-Committee meeting.
The agenda ahead of the meeting details how 69 objections to the proposals have been received. However, planning officers say: "Overall, the development is in accordance with the development plan. The proposals will deliver a sustainable and well-designed, office and residential scheme that will contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation and will encourage biodiversity"
Built in 1976, the impressive structure as intended specifically for the Scottish Widows and was in use for nearly 45 years before the company moved their 2,200-strong staff out in 2020 as part of a drive to rescue their "property footprint."
It is now an A-Listed building, meaning that whatever happens to it next, it cannot be demolished. The news comes just weeks before the site is taken over by the Hidden Door Festival for a five-day music and arts event.
One of the most memorable additions to the building was the former fish ponds dotted around the site which have since been drained.
As part of the proposal, five of the hexagonal buildings will be demolished as well as the under croft car park. The remaining structure will be adapted, extended and upgraded to form office accommodation comprising 19,252 square metres which will include a cafe, creche and cycle store.
A residential development comprising 174 apartments in five separate blocks will be erected on the remainder of the site, including associated landscaping, parking and infrastructure.
The plans continue: "All flats in Blocks A, B and C will have small external terraces. The majority of flats at ground floor level in Blocks D and E will have small private, soft landscaped gardens and most upper flats at the ends of these blocks will have small external terraces with larger roof terraces for two flats in Block D.
"Otherwise, the external amenity areas comprise a series of landscaped residential courtyards with different characteristics."
After consulting all the necessary paperwork and guidelines, planning officers concluded: "Overall, the development is in accordance with the development plan. The proposals will deliver a sustainable and well-designed, office and residential scheme that will contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation and will encourage biodiversity."
Councillors will now discuss the plans in detail on May 24 before a final decision is made, with several legal and financial agreements required before work may commence.
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