The image captures the proposed view from Register Square and north onto Leith Street, looking towards the sweeping retail galleria, Grade A office accommodation and a luxury apartment hotel.
The artist’s image clearly demonstrates the mixed-use concept outlined for the new St James quarter, and the quality of design and sensitivity to the Edinburgh skyline that will be maintained throughout the development.
The upper level offices and luxury hotel apartments benefit from a prime city centre location and spectacular views across to Calton Hill and the Registry district and beyond to Edinburgh Castle. The office space will comprise 100,000 sq ft, which could be subdivided into smaller units of 5,000 to 15,000 sq ft, offering a first class and easily accessible Edinburgh base for international businesses.
The retail galleria, with two flagship stores to flank either side of the Leith Street entrance is shown. The continental style roof is visible, sweeping into the shopping street and access to a reconfigured John Lewis store inside.
A redesigned public space will be created to open up the easterly entrance to the quarter, encouraging a greater flow of pedestrian traffic, with the steps creating an amphitheatre effect to act as a venue for small events, such as fringe acts.