Edinburgh's Quartermile set to revive city's heritage

One of Scotland’s most prolific regeneration projects, Quartermile, is bringing Edinburgh’s heritage back to life with the careful refurbishment of 19th century listed buildings at the former Edinburgh Royal Infirmary site. EDINBURGH'S QUARTERMILE SET TO REVIVE CITY’S HERITAGE One of Scotland’s most prolific regeneration projects, Quartermile, is bringing Edinburgh’s heritage back to life with the careful refurbishment of 19th century listed buildings at the former Edinburgh Royal Infirmary site. Teams of specialist craftsmen and contractors, including stonemasons, carpenters and roofers, have descended on the site in Lauriston Place to begin the refurbishment of the first phase of listed buildings at the heart of the development. The refurbishment and conversion of the hospital buildings marks a crucial step in transforming the site into a vibrant new community at the heart of the city’s World Heritage site. In total, eight listed buildings, including the main category A listed former surgical building, are being brought back to their former architectural glory with the first phase being converted to become luxury apartments. Developer Gladedale Capital has committed significant investment to ensure the historic buildings are rejuvenated by combining the use of Scottish materials and the expertise of local tradesmen. They are now hard at work to restore traditional sandstone exteriors, feature turrets and conical slate roofs which all epitomise the city’s period architecture. Masterplanned by world-renowned architects Foster & Partners, Quartermile blends the capital’s heritage with striking new buildings to create an exciting new residential and business community. In the first phase of the conversions, undertaken by leading local architects CDA, Ferguson Hall and Simpson Hall - named after noted 19th century Scottish surgeons - are being transformed into an exclusive collection of 48 one, two and three bedroom apartments. Extensive measures have been taken to ensure that the original architecture of these buildings is respected. UPVC windows are being replaced with sash and case timber frames, replicated in the period style of the original frameworks. Refurbishment works also include removal of large concrete balcony additions, which were not in keeping with the architectural era, and the repair of stonework. Slate roofing is also being overhauled using slates salvaged from existing on-site buildings and other buildings across Scotland. Much of the work is contracted to local firms and traditional materials have also been used wherever possible, such as lime mortar. More…/ -2- The conversion of the hospital wards into luxury apartments has revived an interest in Edinburgh’s architectural heritage and is also showcasing the developer’s ambitious plans to blend dramatic Victorian exteriors with contemporary and luxurious interiors to meet the demands 21st century homeowners. Jim McIntyre, managing director of Quartermile, said: “It is quite a responsibility but a great privilege to be reviving Edinburgh’s architectural legacy for future generations to enjoy. We have worked extremely hard to ensure the buildings realise their full potential, drawing upon the wealth of materials and expertise that Scotland has to offer. “Listed buildings will sit alongside striking modern architecture. Our vision is to create a new quarter that is befitting of this world class city and to offer a unique style of living in the heart of our capital.” The converted properties will boast bespoke open plan kitchens, double-height living spaces, innovative mezzanine floors, luxurious bathrooms and many will offer unparalleled views of The Meadows. In total, Quartermile’s 19 acre site will feature over 900 one, two, three and four bedroom luxury apartments and penthouses, combining period conversions and impressive new build properties, as well as Grade A office premises, stylish restaurants, cafés and shops and seven acres of green space. For further information visit www.qmile.com or call 0845 0002525. The Quartermile Marketing Suite at 1 Lauriston Place, EH3 9AU is open daily 10.30 – 5.30 and 10.30am – 7.30pm on Thursdays. -Ends- Notes to editors: • A total of eight listed buildings are being restored at Quartermile: o Five original Victorian medical blocks o Sidney Mitchell Pavilions o The former Surgical Hospital with clock tower • Quartermile’s developer is a partnership between Gladedale Capital and Bank of Scotland Corporate. With extensive experience in schemes of this nature, both partners have the resources and reputations that are demanded by such a unique and important development. Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of Quartermile For further information or photography, please contact: Sarah Bailey / Gemma McGhee on 0131 558 3111

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