Green light for Edinburgh ‘aparthotel’

A NEW, apartment-style hotel is expected to be built within the offices and studios of the radio station, Radio Forth, in Edinburgh.

Following a decision by the Development Management Sub-Committee of The City of Edinburgh Council, planning permission has been granted, subject to conditions, for the new, 55-room ‘aparthote;l on there city’s Forth Street and across to the neighbouring Broughton Street Lane.

Says a media release issued on behalf of the aparthotel operators, Supercity Aparthotels: “…the aparthotel will incorporate Forth House and [neighbouring] Playfair House, current home to Radio Forth, with associated parking, landscaping, and ancillary works.”

The release – here – goes on to say: “The front of B-listed Forth House (pictured) will remain mostly unchanged, serving to preserve the historic building. Minor changes are proposed on the rear elevation, such as changing an existing opening to a door. 

“Modern Playfair House, fronting Broughton Street Lane, will be stripped back to its superstructure and a new facade of natural stone and precast concrete built to align with adjacent buildings, reinstating the mews street frontage.”

It adds: “The site benefits from excellent transport links and, as such, the existing parking provision is being reduced from 24 spaces to seven. There is some demand for parking associated with the business which will be located within the building undercroft and will not be visible from the street. Five of the car parking spaces will include electric vehicle charging points. Ten secure cycle parking spaces will be located internally with an additional four external spaces located in the car park.”

Picture credit: Orbit Communications