Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Value: £40m+
Client: Fleming
Architect: ICA Architects

A major mixed-use development in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The proposals revitalised an existing gap site located between Victoria Street, Cowgate and the lively Grassmarket area. The project incorporates a 225 guestroom Virgin Hotel with bars, a restaurant, a café and function and meeting spaces. The scheme joined a number of existing buildings on site, including the 19th Century A-Listed India Buildings, B-Listed Cowgatehead Church and other further C-Listed buildings. A new build link bridge connects the listed buildings as they descend from Victoria Street down to the Cowgate. The spectacular existing interior of the grade A listed India Buildings was retained and enhanced to function as the main front of house spaces for the hotel.