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'Eyesore' mall revamp considered 'Eyesore' mall to be demolished
(about 16 hours later)
Plans to redevelop a building considered to be one of Scotland's ugliest are to be considered by councillors in Edinburgh. Plans to redevelop a building considered one of Scotland's ugliest have been unanimously approved by councillors in Edinburgh.
Developers want to knock down the St James Centre at the east end of Princes Street along with an office complex. The St James Centre at the east end of Princes Street now faces demolition along with a nearby office complex.
The £850m project would see the 1970s buildings replaced with a modern quarter of retail and office space, linked by public squares.The £850m project would see the 1970s buildings replaced with a modern quarter of retail and office space, linked by public squares.
Council officials have recommended approval for the new St James Quarter. Work on building the new St James Quarter is due to be completed by 2015
Designers Allan Murray Architects said the new St James Quarter would restore the city's reputation as one of Europe's best shopping destinations. Developers Henderson Global Investors said the scheme would restore the city's reputation as a world class shopping destination.
The plans will double the amount of retail space currently provided in the centre, accommodating up to 90 stores.The plans will double the amount of retail space currently provided in the centre, accommodating up to 90 stores.
Cutting edge
Up to 250 new homes will also be built in the area, as well as 15,000 sq ft of office space, a hotel and 1,800 car parking spaces.Up to 250 new homes will also be built in the area, as well as 15,000 sq ft of office space, a hotel and 1,800 car parking spaces.
If planning permission is granted, work on the development will begin in 2011, with completion anticipated by 2016. Edinburgh council leader Jenny Dawe said the decision to grant outline approval sent out a signal that the city was an excellent place to invest and conduct business.
The St James Centre site is located within the Edinburgh World Heritage Site. Complex aims to restore city's reputation for world class shopping
"It shows we can work positively with investors to create cutting-edge retail and housing projects, which fit well with our historic and beautiful city centre," she said.
The demolition of the existing shopping centre is due to begin early in 2011.
The replacement retail centre would open four years later, with the entire scheme completed in 2016.
The St James Centre site and the adjacent New St Andrew House office complex were built in 1973.
They are located within the Edinburgh World Heritage Site.