Written by Midlothian View Editor, Phil Bowen
Princes Street is expected to remain closed into August following a major fire at the former Debenhams store in the early hours of 9 July.
Work is continuing to make the building safe while ensuring its historic features are preserved as far as possible. While timescales are not yet confirmed, these works are expected to take several weeks to complete.
Princes Street remains closed between Frederick Street and South Charlotte Street to all vehicles and pedestrians, with diversions in place. Buses are currently rerouted along George Street and Queen Street, with trams to and from the airport terminating at Shandwick Place.
With the diversions set to continue into next month, including on George Street, alternative arrangements are being put in place to limit disruption to forthcoming festivals and events.
A dedicated page has been created on the council website HERE, which includes up-to-date information and guidance, with relevant links to partner sites. This will be regularly updated as and when new information becomes available.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said:
“While, of course, I’m disappointed that Princes Street is to remain closed for weeks to come, our priority must be on the safety of the public.
“Our focus continues to be on making the building safe while aiming to retain as many of its historic features as we can. This is a painstaking process and will take time.
“I’m acutely aware that we’re now entering the busiest period of the year for Edinburgh, and there will inevitably be disruption in and around the city centre. We will continue to work with bus, tram, and other transport colleagues to keep the city moving as best we can.
“We’re also in regular contact with festival and event organisers with a view to minimising the impact on our events calendar, while ensuring those attending can easily access the latest information and guidance before travelling.
“This an ever-changing situation and we will provide further updates as and when new information becomes available, including through a dedicated page on the Council website.
“I want to thank people for their patience and understanding and have no doubt that we can still look forward to a fantastic summer of festivals here in Edinburgh.”
Former Horseshoe Bar in Dalkeith will be turned into a Pepe's Piri Piri.
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
A national chicken restaurant chain is set to open its first Midlothian store in a former pub.
The Pepe’s Piri Piri restaurant and takeaway has been granted planning permission to open its doors at the former Horseshoe Bar, on St Andrews Street, Dalkeith.
But while the restaurant is set to open between 11am and 11pm seven days a week, plans for a takeaway service have been restricted because it is too close to a primary school.
A condition added by planners will ensure the takeaway does not open until 4pm during the week to keep operations outwith school hours.
Applicant Mohammed Sarwar, a local businessman, applied to open the franchise of the chain which began in London nearly 20 years ago and has more than 200 outlets including several in Edinburgh and one in Musselburgh.
A supporting statement submitted on Mr Sarwar’s behalf said the new restaurant will create up to 25 jobs with an estimate that 70 per cent of the trade will be from customers sitting in at the family-friendly restaurant with only 15 per cent takeaway and 15 per cent delivery.
It said: “The proposal will add vitality and interest to the established Dalkeith town centre, increasing footfall and reinforcing its role as a key commercial and social destination.”
Midlothian Council’s food and drink guidance says hot food takeaways should not be granted permission if they are within 400 metres of a school and the new restaurant is just 300 metres from Kings Park Primary School.
Planners said that following a decision by the council’s Local Review Body to allow a takeaway as long as it operated outside of school hours, meant the new service could go ahead with similar restrictions applied.
The application was approved with a condition that “the use of the hot food takeaway hereby approved shall not be open to the public out with the following hours: Mondays – Fridays inclusive: 16:00 to 23:00, Saturdays and Sundays: anytime.”
The rmpty building on Polton Street, Bonnyrigg, used to be a Spar store.
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
A former supermarket building which has lain empty for years could be brought back into use under plans to split it into four new businesses.
The proposals for the building in Bonnyrigg town centre would see two cafe/restaurants and a takeaway on the ground floor with a retail store above it.
The application to Midlothian Council has been lodged by Glasgow-based LA Corporate Services Ltd who argue that the only way to attract prospective clients to the large building is to break it into separate units.
Their agents say: “Following closure of the supermarket, the building has remained vacant for several years and currently contributes little to the vitality of the town centre.
“Its large uninterrupted floorplate has proven unattractive to prospective occupiers and the proposed subdivision creates units of a scale more suited to independent retailers and local businesses.”
The former Spar store already has planning permission for the takeaway unit which is included in the new application.
The applicants say the division into four units will also include a number of significant physical improvements to the building designed to improve its functionality, accessibility and appearance.
A new dedicated entrance to the first-floor commercial accommodation will be formed from Polton Street, where the building sits and there are plans to turn the building’s existing goods lift into an accessible passenger lift connecting the rear car park with the upper floor.
There are also proposals to improve the front of the building with glazed windows.
In their design statement the applicants say it will contribute to town centre improvements in Bonnyrigg adding:
“The existing blank façade presents an inactive and austere appearance within the town centre streetscape.
“The introduction of glazing will soften the building’s appearance, improve natural surveillance of the street and create a more attractive frontage while significantly enhancing the quality of the internal accommodation.
“Collectively these works represent a comprehensive refurbishment of the building that extends well beyond a simple change of use, improving accessibility, appearance, functionality and the long-term viability of the property.”
The plans have been lodged on Midlothian Council’s planning portal for viewing and comments.
