The schedule for Henderson Global Investors' (HGI) redevelopment of the St James Centre has become marginally clearer in the small print of a separate planning application. The new St James Quarter could open for business in 2016.
The news comes in the wake of HGI having just received renewed permission to advertise on the north-east elevation of the St James Centre for another 3 years (Ref. 11/03944/ADV).
However, developers around the globe face real difficulties in raising loans at the moment, so we advise any readers gasping with excitement at the prospect of a pastiche Milanese galleria on their doorstep: do not hold your breath.
In the meantime, any advertising would represent a maximum of 15 percent of the total (absolutely gigantic) banner size, which – according to HGI's agent – provides 'an opportunity to conceal part of the St James complex while introducing an interesting feature ... related to the proposed redevelopment of the site for mixed use development'.
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Genting Casino has been granted listed building consent for changes to exterior signs and lights at Maxims, 5B York Place (Breaking news, 14.12.11) .
Historic Scotland raised no objections to the changes, and Council Planning officials determined that they would have no impact on the character of the listed building.
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Sainsbury's have now received planning and listed building consent for a disabled access ramp at their forthcoming store at 28 Howe Street (Ref. 11/04076/FUL).
The Great King Street Association earlier objected on multiple grounds, not least of which was the suspicion that 'The main purpose of these adjustments seems to be to facilitate access for supply of goods to the shop, and incidentally disabled access'. They also registered concern at 'the "creeping" process of gaining planning consent "by stages" for a facility to which we have already objected on "material grounds" ...'. The full text of their letter appears at the foot of this page.
Other locals raised concerns about likely damage to historic stone slabs.
City Planning officer recommended approval of the ramp since: (a) there is 'no established pattern along the street'; (b) the ramp and railing will not disrupt the street and will be relatively discreet'; (c) there will be 'no adverse impact on the character or appearance of the conservation area or setting of the listed building'.
As a condition of consent, it was also stipulated that – before work begins on the project – a method statement should be submitted and approved in writing, detailing how the existing paving will be removed and cut for re-use.
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AVIS Rent A Car's application for a certificate of lawfulness, relating to the car hire business carried on at 24 East London Street for at least the last 10 years, has been approved.
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Much to our surprise, it appears they may be doing just that. On the very next day, RBS applied for planning permission to instal a freestanding guard rail and abseil system to the roof of its Younger Building at 34 Fettes Row (Ref. 12/00055/FUL).
Whilst some observers suggest this addition is intended to assist in maintenance and cleaning of the property, Spurtle suspects it may actually be an outdoor education facility, through which school parties and bemused investors could be taught about managed descent from giddy heights.
It is surely only a matter of time before parts of the same apparatus are adapted for use with bungee ropes, thereby improving public understanding of financial risk-taking and volatile markets.
Perhaps we should also look forward to Leith Waterworld-style creek-filled flumes, up which savers will be invited to progress without a paddle.
