Plans submitted for Princes Street hotel

PLANS have been submitted, to transform a former retail block on Edinburgh’s iconic Princes Street into a luxury hotel.

Says a media release issued on behalf of the developers, Hunter REIM, the plans are for a hotel to be operated by the Munich-based Ruby Group.

The development is expected to cost £100m and covers 104-108 Princes Street, most recently occupied by retailers, Next, Russell & Bromley and Zara.

Should the plans be approved, the hotel plans will represent a welcome turnaround for the street, which has seen several premises recently become vacant – with people shopping online and also because of the development of the St James Quarter, just beyond the east end of Princes Street.

Says the release: “The development will be the largest single investment in Princes Street since the Johnnie Walker Experience opened in September 2021. The proposal from Hunter REIM and Ruby Hotels has been subject to a significant public engagement last year that included two major consultation events and is the latest major department store vacancy to be subject to redevelopment on Princes Street. The hotel is expected to open in 2026 (subject to planning).”

A decision on the plans is expected from the local authority some time late summer / early autumn.

Picture credit: 3DReid

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