Approval nears for plan to turn Edinburgh Debenhams into £50m hotel

The City of Edinburgh Council is expected to approve planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Debenhams department store into a £50m boutique hotel.The director of planning recommended the council’s development management sub committee to approve the application at next week’s meeting on 2 June.The building on 109-112 Princes Street, between Castle Street and Frederick Street, is owned by asset manager Legal & General.It carried out a three-month public consultation on the proposals, which received support from the public, alongside Business Improvement District operator Essential Edinburgh and Edinburgh’s Chamber of Commerce.Legal & General submitted a planning application in December for the redevelopment of the building to deliver a 207-bed, 4 star hotel with a rooftop bar, which would be open to the public, as well as a hospitality ‘hub’ with space for local businesses.The new hotel will have a direct pedestrian link from the main entrance on Princes Street and exit on Rose Street.No car parking is proposed, but 42 indoor cycle parking spaces will be provided within the development.It will include a shopping, dining, hospitality and leisure area within the hotel.The development will introduce the first Marriott Tribute concept hotel to Scotland.Legal & General plans to restore the historically significant parts of the building as prominent features within the hotel.The Gladstone Library will become a fine dining and public events space, with the stained glass windows within 112 Princes Street being relocated to receive natural light for the first time.The Conservative Club stairs will be moved to be a feature for the front of house and public area of the hotel, with a proposed redecoration of the Liberal Club.If planning consent is granted next week, construction work could start in 2022 with potential completion in 2024.The planning director recommended the council approve the plans, with the condition that Legal & General contribute £20,613 to the Edinburgh Trams development.