Edinburgh city centre shop at George Street to become new restaurant and apartments under proposals

The proposal by Learmonth Property Investment to turn the former White Stuff shop at 89 George Street into a new restaurant at basement, ground, and first floors, with 10 serviced apartments at the rear and upper floors, was lodged with the council last month.

The unit, owned by the applicant, has been a shop since the building was built in around 1902, originally a purpose-built retail store operated by James Gray and Sons.

The former White Stuff store at George Street would be transformed into a new restaurant and serviced apartments under the proposals. | Google Maps

This was the use until the ‘Grays’ building was sold and White Stuff became the occupier of the lower floors, before vacating the premises recently. For many years the upper floors have not been in full use for any purpose. The building is situated in the New Town Conservation Area and is category B-listed.

In the planning documents, the applicant states: “It is considered that the proposed new uses will ensure that the whole building can be refurbished and significantly enhanced which will be of benefit to the building but also to the city centre as the uses will help to support the wider city centre economy.

“The proposed dual use will enable a highly efficient layout and sustainable use for the whole building with reconfigured plant areas which will remove all the unsightly plant from within the central roof area which detracts from the upper floors at present.

“The subject property is in a highly accessible central location and is in the centre of a very dynamic and ever-changing sector of the city which is highly accessible and attractive to visitors and tourists.”

The proposed new rear entrance to the George Street property. | City of Edinburgh Council

The applicant added that the main frontage areas of the building will remain largely intact and enhanced, with a separate entrance formed to the rear.

Making its case to the planning department, the applicant said: “In general and overall terms the proposal will redevelop under-utilised and vacant floorspace providing a new lease of life to the building.

“The refurbishment of this listed building through the careful integration of new floorspace into older less important parts of the building will enhance the economic and social function of the city centre.

“No features of historic or architectural note will be lost from the building with all main features and spaces remaining intact and enhanced. The reuse of upper floors is an extremely positive part of the refurbishment proposals.

The current front and rear of the George Street property. | City of Edinburgh Council

“This iconic and impressive city centre building needs refurbishment and investment. The proposed dual use will ensure that all available floorspace is refurbished and utilised.

“The uses are supported by development plan policy and the configuration ensures that the listed building will have a new lease of life for well into the future.”

The application to change 89 George Street from a shop into a restaurant and serviced apartments will now be decided upon by the City of Edinburgh Council’s planning department.