Award-winning Studio LBA appointed as lead architect by Destiny Scotland
Planning has been submitted for the conversion of B-Listed buildings on Edinburgh’s prominent Princes Street and Hanover Street into 24 high-quality serviced apartments and office headquarters for Destiny Scotland.
Luxury and independent serviced apartments developer and operator Destiny Scotland has appointed conservation specialists Studio LBA as the lead consultant and architect for the project.
The B-Listed buildings, located within Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, are currently in a semi-derelict state internally having laid vacant for several decades. The properties previously received full planning permission and listed building consent for conversion into 30 serviced apartments. The newly submitted proposals, which have very similar layouts, will supersede the previous consent and modify the proposals to the roof level, as well as retaining the first-floor commercial space as an office for Destiny Scotland.
The project will inject vibrancy into an iconic street in the capital and bring these historic buildings into viable contemporary use. The few remaining original features will be retained and sensitively restored, while modern and environmentally beneficial materials will be integrated into the design, including thermal upgrades and new windows to combat current heat loss.
Destiny Scotland currently manages 15 properties across Edinburgh, but this development will be its flagship. Guests will also be able to enjoy the panoramic views of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town and the Castle from the new accommodation.
John Cameron, Conservation Architect and Associate at Studio LBA, commented:
“It’s fantastic to add another project with Destiny Scotland to our portfolio. The buildings, situated within Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, have stood vacant for several decades and are now in a fragile, semi-derelict condition. Their restoration presents an important opportunity to conserve and protect the historic character of these properties, ensuring that their legacy within the city’s architectural heritage is safeguarded for future generations.”
John was recently awarded RIAS Conservation Accreditation, recognising his specialist expertise in the repair, adaptation, and thoughtful conservation of Scotland’s historic buildings.
Stuart Moffat, Managing Director at Destiny Scotland Group, added:
“We pride ourselves on offering a home-from-home at each of our apartment locations and it’s exciting to bolster our portfolio with this new addition on Princes Street. Studio LBA have the exact expertise to lead this sympathetic conservation project, enhancing and modernising the building into luxury serviced apartments.”
The design team consists of Studio LBA as architect, SF Structures as structural engineers, OFR Consultants as fire engineer, Brownriggs as Quanity Surveyor, and Waverley Ltd as mechanical engineers.