Edinburgh locals criticise 'carbuncle' 121-bed Leith waterfront hotel proposals
Leith residents have raised concerns about the scale of the development and the impact on the skyline
Residents have launched a campaign against plans for a new 121-bedroom hotel on the Leith waterfront, claiming the development will create a "visual barrier" along the Shore.
A public consultation is currently underway over proposed plans for a large waterfront hotel at 1 Rennie’s Isle, a former office block, which architects say will be transformed into a “welcoming base” for visitors in the thriving Edinburgh district.
The proposals, which are still at the pre-application stage, include a ten-storey “focal tower” at the Ocean Drive corner, as well as a new public bar and café overlooking the water.
Architects FaulknerBrowns said the designs are inspired by the area’s historic wine trade, with wine bottle-shaped panels on the building’s façade illustrating the journey of wine from arrival at the docks to distribution around the world.
But since the public consultation was launched, locals have formalised opposition to the development, highlighting concerns about the scale and character of the building.
The campaign website reads: “This proposal for a 121 bedroom hotel development at 1 Rennie’s Isle raises serious concerns about the scale, design and proposed hotel use for this sensitive waterfront location, immediately adjacent to an established residential area.
“Appropriate investment and regeneration in Leith is accepted. This is not an objection to change or improvement of the site.
“It is an objection to a development that appears to be driven by maximising commercial value rather than creating a building that respects the character of Rennie’s Isle, the waterfront and the existing community.”
They said the current plans for the hotel suggest the development would be “significantly taller” than the surrounding flats and dominate views of the waterfront, as well as creating a barrier between parts of the Shore and the listed Victoria Swing Bridge.
They said: “The proposed development would replace an open relationship with the docks with a blank two storey brick wall immediately adjacent to Rennie’s Isle carpark, and a 10-storey tower looming above.
“This creates a physical and visual barrier between people and the waterfront. It is very poor place making and provides substandard urban realm.”
Meanwhile, they said simply adding “decorative screens and artistic features” did not suffice when it came to ensuring the building fit in with the character of its surroundings, arguing the scale of the development and its relationship to the harbour should also be considered.
The plans have already been refined through three pre-application meetings Edinburgh council, and a public consultation for residents to share their views before the application progresses.
The consultation closes on September 1, with a planning application due to be submitted in mid-September. Officers will then scrutinise the plans before a decision is made to grant or refuse permission.