Premier Construction Scotland

New Waverley

Waverley
Written by Roma Publications

New jewel in the crown for Edinburgh

Waverley

Edinburgh’s Brand New Urban District, the £150 million New Waverley development, is currently transforming the city’s Old Town into a visionary mixed use scheme with a £2 million public square at its heart.

The scheme, being carried out for Artisan Real Estate Investors, occupies a 7.5 acre site linking Waverley Station to the Royal Mile, lying at the very heart of the capital’s historic centre.

Main Contractors for the project are McAleer & Rushe.

Contemporary, imaginative and inspiring, cutting edge and cool – New Waverley is a new creative, cultural and innovation quarter bringing together offices, homes, shops, art and leisure in a buzzing brand new district, brimming with activity.

The scheme includes the construction of three brand new hotels delivering 394 bedrooms; The Waverley Arches which comprises 15 Victorian arches hosting independent retail and catering businesses; 160,000 sq. ft. of cutting-edge Grade A office space; 28 new retail and leisure opportunities and 148 apartments and townhouses – as well as the new £2 million public square surrounded by shops and restaurants.

The project commenced in summer 2014 with the first phase being completed in 2016.

The second development phase includes two office buildings providing 160,000 sq ft of high-quality grade A office space, 148 apartments and new retail businesses including shops, restaurants and cafes.

Currently under construction is the 146-apartment Adagio Aparthotel facing directly on to the Royal Mile. Situated behind a retained façade of the C-listed Sailors Ark building, the hotel is due for completion in November 2016.

Vangelis Porikis, Aparthotels Adagio Director, said: “The opening of Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile is an important milestone in the global development of Adagio. Adagio is implementing a new generation concept for business travellers and ‘city breakers’ that is smart, economical and immersed in the city.

“We are working hard with Artisan to ensure our new aparthotel is itself connected in the history and culture of the city and gives our guests a base from which to enjoy this fantastic city and surrounding area. The Adagio Edinburgh will provide round-the-clock serviced accommodation, with staff on hand 24/7, combined with the flexibility and independence of 146 modern apartments.”

Also in the current development phase is the conversion of a historic Royal Mile school building into a spectacular boutique hotel and restaurant.

The C-listed red sandstone Canongate Venture building, one of Edinburgh’s last remaining ‘School Board’ designs of the late-Victorian era, will become a 21-room luxury aparthotel, managed by Apple Apartments.

Works to the two-storey building include the conversion of the original school rooms into 21 double-height serviced apartments, each with a mezzanine level providing separate sleeping and living areas.

The rooms will overlook a light-filled glass atrium forming part of a spectacular central galleried hall, which has remained unchanged since the building was first designed in 1901 as an infant school by Edinburgh School Board architect Robert Wilson.

In addition to retaining original features such the galleried hall and original wooden floors new features such as bespoke wood panelling walls and specially designed Tweeds will be used to create a 5-star high quality environment inspired by other flagship Apple developments, including Marconi House on the Strand in London.

Creating a brand new retail and leisure district for the city, The Waverley Arches are now occupied by an eclectic mix of independent traders, cafes and restaurants.

The C-listed brickwork arches were originally constructed in 1875 to create double-height openings beneath the city’s Jeffrey Street.

Current tenants include 6 Yard Box, an ultra-trendy store selling high-quality designer fashion and memorabilia inspired by all things football. Tempo Tea Bar is a contemporary bar specialising in Bubble Tea, the tea-drinking craze that’s sweeping the planet, while Mudo Art is ultra-chic photography and art gallery showcasing a wide range of prints, original art and gifts from Edinburgh and beyond.

Baba Budan is an artisan coffee shop and donut emporium bringing a whole new coffee/eating experience to Edinburgh, and Lauren Gollan a celebrity make-up artist is a a new studio concept store. Other innovative bars and retailers including Gannet & Guga, Chophouse, The Elk and Wolf and Juice Warrior.

Welcoming the next stage of the area’s transformation, Clive Wilding, Artisan’s Project Director, said: “We are now witnessing New Waverley’s true scope and potential being delivered before us.

“At the start of the year we opened two Premier Inn hotels, and together with the Waverley Arches, we are seeing life, excitement and vibrancy returning to what had become a neglected part of the city.”

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Roma Publications