Biggest city centre development for decades in Edinburgh

An £850m revamp of an "eyesore" shopping mall in Edinburgh is set to become the biggest city centre development for decades.
Proposals for St James Shopping Centre site have been unveiled including shops, a public square, two hotels, luxury flats and new streets.

The 1973 building would be demolished to make way for a threestorey, crescent shaped arcade under the plans.

The scheme, from Multrees Walk to east Princes Street, is to finish by 2015.
Outdoor dining

The planned openended street would have a glass roof, with buildings made of stone.

Lower floors of the development would be home to cafes, bars and restaurants with outdoor dining, while up to 90 shops could be included in the arcade.

Members of the public can have their say on plans for Edinburgh’s St James Shopping Centre.

The centre’s owners, Henderson Global Investors, has launched a major consultation programme into its proposals for the St James Quarter, including the vacant offices at New St Andrew’s House.

The eightweek consultation programme, which includes an exhibition and 2,000 questionnaires, will gather views before an outline planning application and illustrative masterplan is submitted to Edinburgh Council in April.

Chris Pyne, senior portfolio manager at Henderson Global Investors, said the proposals marked a major step forward in the vision to transform the existing centre and adjoining buildings into a worldclass destination.

He said: "This redevelopment will provide a major boost to the retail offer in the heart of the Scottish capital.

"We plan a contemporary and commercially vibrant development that will sensitively integrate into the urban fabric of Edinburgh."

The public exhibition takes place in the St James Centre on the main shopping level opposite the Royal Bank of Scotland ATMs until 17 March.