Is the St James Quarter starting to rust?
Rather surprisingly, the answer may be yes. At least parts of it, if one local’s misgivings prove correct.
Antony Jack lives close to the Quarter’s St James Square, and has been a long-suffering observer of its progress over the years.
In recent weeks, since colder weather has set in, Jack has noticed the appearance of these reddish-brown spots on the steps of the Grand Stair.
Officials have recommended that the application to install temporary seating outside the Category A-listed 23 Elm Row be refused (21/05858/FUL). Councillors on the Development Management Subcommittee are due to consider the case on 2 March.
The applicant proposes a timber-decked outdoor seating area outside the Joseph Pearce bar and restaurant, with a pergola type structure for coverage.
Twenty-eight people attended last night’s online meeting held by the Better Broughton group to discuss the future of Picardy Place.
Among them were three City Centre councillors: Karen Doran (vice-convener of the Transport & Environment Cmte), Joanna Mowat, and Claire Miller.
Edinburgh Street Food Ltd has submitted proposals for a new canopy, external bar, and outside seating to serve combined Units 6 and 7 at the OMNi Centre (21/06504/FUL). The site belongs to Nuveen, which also owns the St James Centre.
The new hospitality space would fill the current tranquil and tree-lined route between Leith Street and Greenside Row.
Mambo Bars & Clubs Edinburgh Ltd seeks planning consent to site a hot food vehicle on the pavement outside 43 Rose Street (21/06500/FUL).
The company seeks temporary permission for two years.
The wagon would supplement the adjacent Señor Dog's pub/restaurant.
Nuveen’s belated application for a ‘festive events space’ in St James Square has belatedly been approved (21/05177/FUL).
Officials advised that the setting of nearby listed buildings would not be harmed by the construction of alpine drinking shacks and neither would the appearance and character of the conservation area.
‘Change of use from Workshop/Showroom (Class 4) to Entertainment venue for throwing axes (Class 11).’
This planning proposal lands with a satisfying thud.
It has been lodged by the Black Axe Throwing Co. and concerns Unit 2 at 25 Beaverhall Road (21/06212/FUL), part of the Beaverhall Business Centre’s ground floor.
Joseph Pearce, part of the Boda Bars chain, has applied for planning consent to build a temporary, partly covered seating area for drinking and dining on the pavement outside its premises at 23 Elm Row (Ref. 21/05858/FUL and Ref. 21/05859/LBC).
Edinburgh Council’s refusal of planning permission to convert 37a and 39 London Street into short-term lets has been upheld.
On 1 December, a reporter appointed by Scottish Ministers dismissed the owner’s appeal against the decision, and also endorsed the Council’s refusal of a change of use for this purpose.
Now that public consultation on the future of the Picardy Place island seems to be indefinitely stalled, Leith ward's Cllr Gordon Munro floats an exciting idea that could transform the area for years to come.
On the basis that knowledge is wonderful but imagination is even better, Spurtle wants to kick-start a conversation. Let us know what you think of Munro's idea, or describe an alternative.