Urbanist Hotels' plan to convert listed Edinburgh building into a Rosewood hotel thwarted
by Kim Megson | 18 Dec 2015
Plans to turn Edinburgh’s neoclassical Old Royal High School into a luxury hotel have been turned down at the first vote by the city council.
Developers Duddingston House Properties and Urbanist Hotels had proposed a £75m (US$115m, €102m) project to restore and convert the listed 1820s property – which has stood vacant for almost 50 years on Edinburgh’s Calton Hill – into a 147-bedroom Rosewood hotel featuring two newly-constructed, landscaped wings.
The neoclassical, listed building was originally designed by architect Thomas Hamilton and completed in 1829
A spa, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, three restaurants and bars and a ballroom were all planned for the complex, which has been designed by Hoskins Architects.
However, planning officers had advised the project be rejected due to the impact it would have on the city’s built heritage, and on 17 December the council voted to accept this recommendation. Only one vote swung the decision, with seven voting for the scheme and eight against.
“This was a very difficult decision, and not one we took any pleasure in taking, but it came down to the scale of the development, which was ultimately too great,” said councillor Ian Perry, planning convener for the council.
Don't miss
“Our job is to make sure that any development in Edinburgh strikes a balance between protecting the city’s heritage and developing its economy. Committee members have agreed with planning officers’ recommendations that this application fails to do this, and have therefore refused to grant it.”
Hoskins Architects had made changes to the plans earlier this year in response to the concerns of heritage groups, and pledged the design would blend into the surrounding landscape while “reinforcing the building’s prominence as a key Edinburgh landmark.”
Independent research from Oxford Economics has estimated that the hotel could contribute £31.5m (US$48m, €42.3m)to Edinburgh’s GDP and £36.7m (US$56m, €50m) to Scotland’s economy on an annual basis.
It is not yet known if the developer will appeal the decision.
Other Edinburgh development projects have caused contention of late, with heritage groups criticising a planned £850m (US$1.3bn, €1.2bn) scheme in the city’s St James Quarter, which includes the five-star ‘ribbon’ hotel designed by architects Jestico + Whiles.
Hoskins Architects had made changes to their initial design earlier this year in response to the concerns of heritage groups Credit: Rosewood Hotels
02 Sep 2015
Hoskins will transform one of Edinburgh’s most important landmarks into luxury Rosewood Hotel
18 Aug 2015
Jestico + Whiles given green light for controversial ‘ribbon hotel’ in Edinburgh, UK
06 Jul 2015
Approval for luxury hotel as part of £850m Edinburgh scheme
01 May 2014
Gareth Hoskins Architects wins Scottish National Gallery redevelopment
Plans to turn Edinburgh’s neoclassical Old Royal High School into a luxury hotel have been turned down at the first vote by the city council. Developers Duddingston House Properties and Urbanist Hotels had proposed a £75m (US$115m, €102m) project to restore and convert the listed 1820s property – which has stood vacant for almost 50 years on Edinburgh’s Calton Hill – into a 147-bedroom Rosewood hotel featuring two newly-constructed, landscaped
CLD,SAB,HHR,HOT,AAC,PRO,ARC,DES,DEV,INV
More news
WilkinsonEyre-designed Compton and Edrich stands revealed at Lord's Cricket Ground
by Tom Walker | 20 Oct 2021
Work has been completed on two new spectator stands at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, UK, adding 2,600 seats to the total capacity of "the home of cricket". The Compton and Edrich stands, designed by WilkinsonEyre, form an integral part of the Marylebone Cricket Club’s (MCC) plans to future-proof the historic venue. The two new stands, designed in partnership with structural engineers Buro Happold, deliver improved sightlines and an enhanced
V&A renames childhood museum as part of £13m redevelopment
by Tom Walker | 13 Oct 2021
Construction work has begun on a £13m redevelopment project which will look to transform the V&A Museum of Childhood into the UK’s "premier national museum" entirely dedicated to children. Designed by De Matos Ryan and AOC Architecture, the revamp of the iconic Grade II* listed site in Bethnal Green, London, UK will provide the museum with an entirely new visitor experience. Plans include three new galleries – called Play, Imagine
Red Sea Development unveils plans for Oppenheim-designed desert mountain resort
by Megan Whitby | 01 Oct 2021
The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), the developer behind the ambitious regenerative tourism project The Red Sea Project (TRSP) in Western Saudi Arabia, has revealed plans for the destination’s new mountain resort named Desert Rock. Created by architectural design firm Oppenheim Architecture, Desert Rock is being designed to protect and preserve the environment and will allow guests to connect with the nature and local culture of the region. The 60-key
noa* sensitively transforms 17th-century monastic garden into wellness haven
by Megan Whitby | 30 Sep 2021
Architecture and interior design firm Network of Architecture (noa*) has breathed new life into the former Monastery Serve di Maria Addolorata in Trentino, situated at the northern tip of the iconic Lake Garda in Italy. Noa*’s vision was to restore the building’s spiritual dimension and make its most distinctive elements the main features of a charming hotel, named Monastero Arx Vivendi. The 40-room complex and its extensive garden are encompassed
Wellness real estate market nearly doubles between 2017-2020, finds new GWI research
by Megan Whitby | 28 Sep 2021
From 2017-2020, the global wellness real estate market expanded from US$148bn (€126bn,£109bn) to US$275bn (€235bn, £203bn). These figures were released today (28 September) in the Global Wellness Institute’s (GWI) new study, called Wellness Real Estate: Looking Beyond COVID-19. The GWI defines wellness real estate as the construction of residential and commercial/institutional properties that incorporate intentional wellness elements into their design, materials and building, as well as their amenities, services and/or
Canyon Ranch’s first urban wellness club to debut in Texas in 2023
by Megan Whitby | 23 Sep 2021
US wellness lifestyle brand Canyon Ranch is curating a members-only urban wellness club concept to help its guests lead healthier happier lives. The 26,000sq ft spa and fitness location will open within the US$250m (€213.4m, £183m) mixed-use development Crescent Fort Worth Development in Fort Worth, Texas. Crescent Fort Worth is being developed by Crescent Real Estate, a company owned by John Goff – the chair and owner of Canyon Ranch.
Bjarke Ingels and Marc Lore reveal plans for Telosa, 'world's most sustainable city'
by Tom Walker | 22 Sep 2021
Plans have been revealed for a US$400bn city which could be the home for up to 5 million people in the US. Billionaire investor Marc Lore and architect Bjarke Ingels have teamed up for the ambitious Telosa project, which is being touted as a sustainable metropolis in the desert. Lore – a serial entrepreneur who also served as president and CEO of Walmart US eCommerce until January 2021 – has
Pierre-Yves Rochon creates The Woodward, a new five-star hotel for the Oetker Collection in Geneva
by Megan Whitby | 13 Sep 2021
After five years’ construction, Oetker Collection has unveiled its first Swiss hotel, named The Woodward, in the heart of Geneva, complete with views of Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva. The hotel was born after a renovation of the existing building – formerly a hotel and bank – by architect Pierre-Yves Rochon – with spacious apartment-style suites in a refined, contemporary style. The design is enhanced by decorative elements including Lalique
Global Wellness Institute to hold inaugural Wellness Real Estate & Communities Symposium
by Megan Whitby | 10 Sep 2021
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) is preparing to host a Wellness Real Estate & Communities Symposium on 28 September 2021. The conference will take a deep dive into the fast-growing market and gather top executives, developers, investors, architects, designers, analysts, policymakers and media to examine the future of the market. The hybrid event is being hosted both online and in-person in New York City at etc.venues 601 Lexington. Hosted between
World's first Blue Zones Centre will open in Miami
by Megan Whitby | 09 Sep 2021
The team behind downtown Miami’s upcoming mixed-use development, Legacy Hotel & Residences, has signed a joint venture deal called Blue Legacy Ventures (JV) with faith-based nonprofit integrated health system Adventist Health. Together the JV will lease and operate a first-of-its-kind 120,000sq ft health and wellbeing facility called Blue Zone Centre. The location is Adventist Health's first flagship centre for wellbeing. Blue Zones employs evidence-based ways to help people live longer,
New champagne visitor attraction by Casson Mann and Atelier Phileas takes visitors on a journey 'from the earth to the bubble'
by Tom Walker | 31 Aug 2021
A new visitor attraction and cultural destination, located at the foot of the historic slopes of Aÿ-Champagne commune, is taking a fresh approach to exploring the history of champagne. Pressoria – designed by Casson Mann and Atelier Phileas Architecture – blends original heritage architecture and contemporary interiors with sensory and digital installations and event spaces to present the culture of the appellation. Described as a sensory experience that blends elements
Plesner Architects creates Six Senses desert wellness sanctuary in Israel's Negev desert
by Megan Whitby | 16 Aug 2021
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas has launched its brand new desert retreat called Six Senses Shaharut in Israel. With its secluded setting laid into a dramatic cliff with panoramic views of the Negev Desert, the resort is home to a 1,900sq m spa realised by Tel Aviv-based Plesner Architects. The facility is designed to offer a contemporary interpretation of nomadic structures, reminiscent of the Nabataean community which occupied the area
24-hour gym features in new £40m build-to-rent development
by Tom Walker | 10 Aug 2021
A new £40m build-to-rent development with a focus on wellbeing has opened to residents in Leeds city centre in the UK. Located on the historic site of the former Yorkshire Post building, the property features a 24-hour health club and wellness studio, kitted by Technogym, alongside a range of other amenities within its 5,300ft of shared social space. Other facilities include a large co-working space, residents’ lounge and games room.
Therme Group to expand global footprint with waterfront development in Toronto
by Megan Whitby | 02 Aug 2021
Global wellbeing organisation, Therme Group, has today announced plans for a CAN$350m (€236.3m, £201.8m, US$280.8m) waterfront wellbeing resort in Toronto, Canada, at Ontario Place. Working with the Government of Ontario and City of Toronto, the group will contribute to the revitalisation of Ontario Place, to further Therme Group’s vision of bringing wellbeing to all. Therme Canada Ontario Place will be a family-friendly experience with indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides and
New Passivhaus leisure centre by GT3 Architects will reduce energy costs by 60%
by Tom Walker | 22 Jul 2021
Planning approval has been granted to what is set to become one of the first Passivhaus-certified leisure buildings in the world. The new Spelthorne Leisure Centre in Staines, Surrey – which will be owned by Spelthorne Borough Council – has been designed by GT3 Architects and Passivhaus specialists Gale and Snowden. With sustainability and wellbeing at its core, the building will be optimised to reduce energy in use by up
Plus Architecture creates vision for hot springs retreat and spa in Perth Western Australia
by Megan Whitby | 20 Jul 2021
Proposals have been submitted for a AUS$25m (€15.5m, £13.4m, US$18.3m) hot springs development on the banks of the Swan River in Perth, Western Australia. Formerly Dalkeith Hot Pools, the site was a popular bathing spot for tourists and the local community from the 1920s to the 1950s. After reading articles about the history of Dalkeith Hot Pools, local investor and director of FJM Property, Barry Jones, was inspired to redevelop
John Puttick Associates creates Youth Zone with fitness, arts, sport and wellbeing spaces
by Tom Walker | 20 Jul 2021
A fitness club with a boxing studio, dance and performing arts studio and a four-court sports hall are just a few of the facilities included in plans for the new Horizon Youth Zone in Grimsby, UK. The 5,440sq m centre will also include a climbing wall, health and wellbeing room and an outdoor 3G pitch. Planning approval has been given for the redevelopment, which will be located in the town's
Microsoft's Israel campus designed to focus on 'evolution of work' features large corporate gym
by Tom Walker | 19 Jul 2021
A large health club plays a major role in tech giant Microsoft’s recently opened R&D campus in Israel, which was designed to "re-define office working". Located in the city of Herzliya, the campus has been designed in partnership with Vered Gindi Architects and GSArch and utilises Microsoft’s concept of team-based “neighbourhoods”, which is based on the idea of being big enough to offer public interaction but small enough to give
Ignacio Alonso overhauls Gurney’s Montauk Resort's thalassotherapy spa
by Megan Whitby | 15 Jul 2021
Gurney's Montauk Resort 's waterfront spa in Long Island, US, is being reimagined by architect Ignacio Alonso of Alonso Designs. The year-round 158-room resort dates back to 1926 and consists of a two-story building on an oceanfront promontory with a large saltwater pool at the upper level and treatment rooms at the lower level. Currently, the resort’s 30,000sq ft Seawater Spa is closed for renovations and will reopen in December
Saudi Arabia offers US$133m in loans to create 50 new attractions
by Tom Walker | 12 Jul 2021
Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has pledged to provide SAR500m (US$133m, €112m, £96m) worth of loans to companies, in order to create new attractions and entertainment projects in the country. GEA has signed a memorandum of understanding with the country's Social Development Bank (SDB), which will see soft financing opportunities being made available to investments that contribute towards the growth and sustainability of the Saudi attractions and entertainment sector
Six Senses opens Ibiza property designed by Jonathan Leitersdorf
by Liz Terry | 10 Jul 2021
Six Senses Ibiza, conceived by architect and developer Jonathan Leitersdorf, has opened today (10 July 2021). “Six Senses Ibiza is a reflection of the natural vibrations and vitality of the Balearics,” said Leitersdorf. “By channeling the destination’s unique sense of community and celebration, we've created a truly transformative environment where guests are invited to meaningfully connect with nature, each other and themselves, while discovering the elements that make Ibiza unlike
Designs unveiled for MAD Architects' Aranya Cloud Center
by Tom Walker | 07 Jul 2021
Designs have been revealed for a flexible, multi-purpose events centre which will have the appearance of a "cloud floating by the sea". Designed by MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong, the “Cloud Center” in Qinhuangdao, China, will offer a new multi-purpose public space for Aranya – one of China’s most vibrant seaside arts and culture communities. Situated close to the scenic Beidaihe coastline in the north east of the country,
Life Time repurposes redundant shopping mall as massive fitness resort
by Tom Walker | 06 Jul 2021
Health club operator Life Time has opened a luxury fitness and athletic resort experience at Northshore Mall, a former shopping centre in Peabody, Massachusetts, US. The 210,000sq ft Life Time Northshore – situated within the Greater Boston area – is marketed as a first-of-its-kind destination and is spread across three floors, as the operator has taken over the entirety of the former shopping mall. The company has its own real
Kengo Kuma-designed Hans Christian Andersen House opens in city of Odense
by Tom Walker | 05 Jul 2021
The new H.C. Andersen House, designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, has opened its doors to visitors in the Danish city of Odense. Dedicated to the life of the celebrated author – famous for his fairytales, such as the Little Mermaid, The Emperor's New Clothes and The Ugly Duckling – the US$62m visitor attraction consists of both indoor and outdoor spaces. The attraction is located on the site of Hans
KAAN-designed renovation of Antwerp arts museum among winners of Architectural Heritage Intervention awards
by Tom Walker | 24 Jun 2021
The "respectful renovation" of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium is among the four winners of this year's European Award for Architectural Heritage Intervention (AHI). Now in its fifth edition, AHI is a biennial award organised by the Association of Architects for the Defence and Intervention in Architectural Heritage (AADIPA) and the Association of Architects of Catalonia (COAC). The renovation of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts
Plans revealed to build world's deepest pool, Blue Abyss, in the UK
by Tom Walker | 19 Jun 2021
Plans have been revealed to build the world's deepest pool in Cornwall, UK, which would house facilities serving the spaceflight, sports science and healthcare communities. The £150m Blue Abyss project would see an aquatic centre, housing a 164ft (50m) deep pool built at the Aerohub Enterprise Zone at Cornwall Airport. The project is led by a privately-funded company that is now in the process of applying for planning permission. Blue
Kew Gardens establishes new 'living laboratory' to study biodiversity
by Tom Walker | 17 Jun 2021
Kew Gardens has established a "living laboratory" at its wild botanic garden at Wakehurst, UK. The move is part of a research project to explore the benefits of biodiversity in the UK. The Wakehurst site is open to visitors and includes a number of botanical attractions to explore – such as the 150-acre Loder Valley Nature Reserve, an area called The Wetlands and a six-acre American Prairie. As well as
Buro Happold acquires Vanguardia to take audio-visual and acoustics expertise in-house
by Tom Walker | 15 Jun 2021
Buro Happold, has acquired acoustics and audio-visual consultancy Vanguardia Limited and its subsidiary Crowd Dynamics International. The move will strengthen Buro Happold’s depth of expertise in acoustics and AV technology. Specifically, the acquisition will enhance standalone and combined services of acoustics and sound engineering, environmental advisory services, plus a broad range of electro-acoustic and technology offerings. It also provides Buro Happold with a fully integrated mobility consulting capability, encompassing inclusive
Kanva completes CA$25m redesign of Montreal's 'living museum', the Biodome
by Tom Walker | 09 Jun 2021
Work has been completed on the redevelopment of Montreal's Biodome – a science museum which occupies the site of the former velodrome built for the 1976 Olympic Games. The Biodome allows visitors to walk through replicas of five ecosystems found in the Americas – a tropical rainforest, a maple forest, the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, a sub-Antarctic island environment, and the Labrador Coast. Biodome is one of four attractions located
Heatherwick's Little Island – an 'urban park on stilts' – opens on Hudson River
by Tom Walker | 09 Jun 2021
Little Island, an urban park built on stilts on the Hudson River in New York City, has opened to the public. Designed by Heatherwick Studio, in partnership with Arup and Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects (MNLA), the 1.1-hectare (11,000sq m) park and performance venue features 540 metres of pathways and a range of performance spaces. Little Island’s distinct exterior is supported by 132 "tulip-like" concrete piles. Each tulip’s shape is unique
company profile
videos
BluGalaxy a Division of Blu Spas
Blu Spas
This animation showcases the beautiful concept design of BluGalaxy Spa.
Try cladmag for free!
Sign up with CLAD to receive our regular ezine, instant news alerts, free digital subscriptions to CLADweek, CLADmag and CLADbook and to request a free sample of the next issue of CLADmag.
sign up
features
"Funding woes and murky timelines are common problems. It can be easier to make a difference one small project at a time"
From parks designed to mitigate the effects of flooding to warming huts for one of the world’s coldest cities, these projects have been designed for increasingly extreme climates
From parks designed to mitigate the effects of flooding to warming huts for one of the world’s coldest cities, these projects have been designed for increasingly extreme climates
Catalogue Gallery
Click on a catalogue to view it online
To advertise in our catalogue gallery: call +44(0)1462 431385
features
features
cladkit product news
The new winter design is finished with naturally occurring hexagonal patterns found in snowflakes
Siminetti unveils first glimpses of Mother of Pearl decorative surfaces inspired by the four seasons
Siminetti has collaborated with British designer Chrisanna London to create a luxury Mother of Pearl decorative surface range inspired by
...
LianTronics’ giant curved LED wall with stunning glasses-less 3D spaceship display effect has attracted many on the street of Chengdu,
...
cladkit product news
LYRA has a sleek, cylindrical design complete with an elegant brass dimming switch
LYRA, GAMA, MONA and ATHENA are the first pieces from designer Atelier Alain Ellouz’s new.édition collection of handcrafted stone lighting
...
Alemanno believes the stones are well-placed in the spa environment thanks to their capacity to positively support physical and mental health
Fabio Alemanno Design has expanded its collection with semi-precious stones to enhance spas, wellness facilities, hotels and private residences. The
...
cladkit product news
The new Experience Centre houses a 20m LED dome
Cosm, a global technology company that builds end-to-end solutions for immersive experiences, has unveiled its Experience Centre which houses a
...
The dome aims to integrate technology with arts and culture
Christie® GS Series 1DLP® laser projectors are delivering vivid and lifelike visuals in a new dome theatre located in Xiong’an
...
