The final phase of work to bring the iconic Jenners building in Edinburgh back to life has begun.
Seven years after the former department store was bought by Scotland’s richest man, and following a massive internal refit which saw tons of material removed, construction will now begin on turning the venerable structure into a hotel and multi-use space.
The slow work to restore the Jenners building was marked by tragedy last year when Firefighter Barry Martin, 38, died after being caught in a blaze which broke out in the building.
The Princes Street building has been fenced off for much on 2024 ahead of construction work beginning.
The massive development will be carried out across 17,500 square metres of the building’s ten floors.
The plans include the restoration of Jenners iconic atrium, while the upper floors will house a new 90-room boutique hotel, along with a café, bars and restaurant spaces.
Construction company GRAHAM has been appointed to carry out the shell and core works.
A statement from the company said plans for the Category A-listed structure, led by David Chipperfield Architects, will focus on a ‘sensitive restoration’ which will revive many original features lost over time.
The Jenners building first opened in 1895 and was expanded in 1903, with further additions in the 1950s and 60s.
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The building was sold to private investors in 2005 after House of Fraser bought the Jenners brand and property.
It was then bought by Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen in 2017 for a reported £53m.
It closed its doors in December 2020. A permanent memorial to Firefighter Martin will be erected in the building during the refit.
At its height, more than 100 firefighters and 22 fire appliances were at the scene of the "serious and complex” 2023 fire.
Two other firefighters taken to hospital were treated for smoke inhalation, and two were treated for burns. A police officer also received treatment.
Gary Holmes, regional managing director at GRAHAM Building North, said: "Edinburgh is a globally renowned city with a thriving hotel and leisure sector that draws visitors from around the world. It is exciting to see such an ambitious development taking shape, marking a new chapter for one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings.
“GRAHAM is proud to contribute to this historic transformation. Our team’s expertise will ensure a sensitive restoration as we work to bring the new vision for this landmark to life.
“We thank the owners of Jenners for believing in us and providing us with this great opportunity”.
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