Monday October 5th 2026
Artist sketch of Summerhall
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A public consultation is now underway on proposals to secure the future of Summerhall, Edinburgh’s landmark arts venue, as developer AMA sets out an emerging vision to secure the site’s future.
Residents, businesses, artists and community groups can review the proposals and provide feedback on plans for Summerhall from Tuesday 29 September until Friday 23 October. A public drop-in event will be held at Summerhall on Wednesday 7th October, from 3pm to 7.30pm, where visitors can view the plans, meet the project team and ask questions.
Since the Royal Dick Veterinary College left in 2011, Summerhall has become a home for artists, performers, creative organisations and small businesses. The site now faces significant financial and physical challenges, and needs substantial investment to secure its long-term future.
Having entered into a contract to acquire Summerhall from Oesselmann Estate Limited in April 2025, Edinburgh-based AMA is developing a vision together with Kettle Collective architects for an Arts Quarter at Summerhall. The plans seek to retain the site’s cultural role while bringing new activity and investment to the wider complex.
The emerging proposals include retaining and sensitively adapting key heritage buildings, improving pedestrian access through the site and enhancing its public spaces. A wider mix of uses is also being explored to help support Summerhall’s long-term sustainability.
The proposals have been informed by pre-application discussions with the City of Edinburgh Council. Its advice recognises the potential for a mixed-use development that retains arts and community uses, and welcomes the proposed retention and use of the majority of the site’s listed buildings. It also identifies improved accessibility and energy efficiency as potential benefits, while stressing the need for sensitive design within Summerhall’s heritage and conservation setting.
A January 2026 review by the Edinburgh Urban Design Panel also recognised the site’s complex history. Once home to a brewery and two churches, Summerhall became the Royal Dick Veterinary College in the early 20th century. Later additions include modernist buildings constructed between 1967 and 1971, among them its distinctive tower. The site sits within the South Side Conservation Area, close to The Meadows.
Dr Ali Afshar, co-founder and managing director of AMA, said: “Summerhall is an important part of Edinburgh’s cultural life. We know how much it means to the people who work here, visit and live nearby. We also know that significant investment is needed to address the challenges facing its buildings and secure its future.
“Our vision for an Arts Quarter builds on what makes Summerhall special. Art and culture will remain at its heart, alongside sensitive work to its heritage buildings, better access through the site and a mix of uses that can support it for the long term.
“Summerhall’s character comes from the many different chapters of its history. We want to respect that history while making the site more welcoming and accessible. This consultation is a chance for people to tell us what matters to them, and their feedback will help inform the proposals before we submit a planning application at the start of 2027.”
“We hope the existing management team will continue its stewardship and day-to-day running of the Arts Quarter and associated commercial spaces following redevelopment, within modernised buildings offering greater flexibility.”
The consultation is open until Friday 23 October. Plans can be viewed and feedback submitted at www.summerhallconsultation.co.uk. A further public engagement event will be held in due course, with details announced ahead of time.
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