Scottish Provident Edinburgh - News Aug 2007:
Property consultants, DTZ and Culverwell are to sell major development opportunities in the former Edinburgh HQ of Scottish Provident at 3-8 St Andrew Square. Owned by ING UK, the site has consent for retail units on the bottom three floors, with offices and upmarket residential above. The scheme has been estimated to be worth some £50m on completion.
Scottish Provident Edinburgh - News Jul 2007:
3 - 8 St Andrew Square + 7 - 21 South St David Street
Variation of application 06/03441/LBC including alterations to form stairwell for proposed residential units, no change to elevations
Listed Building Consent Application
Received 31/07/2007 Validated 070807 Pending Consideration
council Ref. 07/03291/LBC
Approved Listed Building Consent Application 090407
Building PR from ING Property 29 Mar 2007:
Bold new development approved at heart of World Heritage site
Design set to complement St Andrew’s Square modernist icon
A bold collaborative design from CDA and Gareth Hoskins Architects [GHA] has won the backing of the City of Edinburgh Council. Planning officers recommended approval and the city council members supported the plans by 9 votes to 3. The design for St Andrew Square had received widespread acclaim by key stakeholders.
The proposals for 3-8 St Andrew Square, owned by ING (UK) Property, involves redevelopment of the site of the former headquarters building of Scottish Provident.
The comprehensive redevelopment of the south side of the square will involve the selective demolition of existing buildings and the creation of a new complex of retailing and offices with a limited number of high value apartments. Vital to the regeneration of St Andrew Square is the creation of large double height shop fronts with larger retail floorplates which are in demand in the city centre.
During an extensive consultation process the architecture and design has received acclaim from stakeholders.
Detailed discussions with the City of Edinburgh Council, Historic Scotland and Architecture + Design Scotland [A+DS] had taken place over the past year in order to ensure a sympathetic redevelopment of the site.
In its submission to the city council commenting on the plans, A+DS stated: “We welcome a development that brings life back to major Listed buildings, and which seeks a high quality contemporary architectural expression.”
Historic Scotland have stated in their submission: 'We are confident that the current proposals seek to retain and restore the most important elements of that group, particularly the Category A listed 3 St Andrew Square and the Category B listed 6-7 St Andrew Square.'
The regeneration of the site will include the retention of the Category A Listed 3&3a St Andrew Square, together with the Category B Listed 6&7 St Andrew Square. The other buildings on the site are proposed for demolition.
Commenting on the outcome of the planning committee, Gareth Hoskins of GHA said:
“We are thrilled that this bold design has captured the imagination of the city councillors. It is set to transform the heart of the World Heritage site and contribute significantly to the renewal of this quarter of Edinburgh. This will be one of the biggest developments in the city centre and we are pleased by the support we received during the extensive negotiations with heritage bodies.”
Frank Hinds of CDA added:
“We have been working closely with key stakeholders for more than two years. We are confident that the design is bold and strong and will bolster the city centre. The design complements the 1960s modernist icon at 6/7 by William G Leslie of Rowand Anderson, Kinimonth & Paul which has been described as one of the finest infill building of its period in Britain.”
Commenting on the positive decision by the city council, Michael Daggett of ING Real Estate Investment Management (UK) Ltd said:
“This will create one of the boldest new developments in Edinburgh and reflect well on the city providing the large retail space so badly needed and address the demand for well located, high quality office accommodation. Retail units of upto 70,000 sq ft will be provided at St Andrew Square.
“GHA and CDA have worked together to produce the optimum design for the site. The welcome reaction and support that the applications have received has been a tribute to the development team.”
The planning application was submitted by ING Real Estate Investment Management (UK) Ltd, advisors to ING (UK) Property, owner of 3-8 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh
It is anticipated that construction work on the new buildings could be complete by 2010.
St Andrew Square building PR from ING (UK) Property, London 290307
Scottish Provident – Redevelopment
Brief Comment:
Well done to all involved, after threats from very powerful people in Edinburgh to demolish this Modern classic this scheme cuts a sensible line between conservation and innovation. Some not-so-great stone facades will go but Edinburgh has to live, to be a bold European capital and seek quality. This is a victory for common sense that works with the market and with the heritage lobby rather than engage with polar opposites.
Scottish Provident Building
1961
Architect: William G Leslie of Rowand Anderson Kininmonth & Paul
building: photo © adrian welch sep 2006 with lumix camera
St. Andrew Square building architects : Gareth Hoskins
St. Andrew Square building architects : CDA
Edinburgh : back to index
Also by Spence: John Lewis Edinburgh
ING Real Estate is an international real estate company active in investment management, development and finance. With a total business portfolio of EUR 91 billion and offices in 21 countries in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia, ING Real Estate ranks among the world’s strongest real estate companies.
ING Real Estate is part of ING Group, a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, insurance and asset management to over 60 million private, corporate and institutional clients in more than 50 countries.
Scottish Provident building architect : Kininmonth
St Andrew Square
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