The fire that ripped through the former Debenhams store on July 9 has robbed Princes Street of another of its historic buildings.
It’s not yet clear what will happen to the site, which had been due to become a new hotel and pod-hotel.
But the blaze has come at a time of change for one of Edinburgh’s most famous streets.
Many famous names and well-loved shops have disappeared or transferred to the St James Quarter. Some of the gaps they left have already been filled and plans have been approved for many of the others.
City council leader Jane Meagher says Princes Street is a vital part of Edinburgh’s economy.
She says: “It’s welcome news that Princes Street continues to attract significant investment.
“I have no doubt that this investor confidence is thanks to the resilience of our local economy and our healthy business community. Changes to non-domestic rates relief on vacant buildings are also encouraging landlords to bring long-term empty properties back into operation.”
So what will Princes Street look like in the future? Here’s an update of what has happened and what’s coming next in some of the key sites.
5. New hotel
Planning permission has been granted for a new 61-bedroom hotel on the upper floors of several linked buildings in Princes Street, Hanover Street and Rose Street. The development includes 70 Princes Street, which has the former Great Scot gift shop on the ground floor. Shops and a cafe/restaurant will be retained at basement, ground floor and mezzanine level. A large tearoom, which will also be open to the public, is also planned as part of the hotel. | TSPL
6. Blank Street Coffee
American coffee company Blank Street Coffee opened at 78 Princes Street in February this year, just a couple of weeks after the launch of its first Edinburgh shop in Victoria Street. The brand was launched in New York in 2020 by two immigrants with a battery-powered mobile coffee cart. They opened their first shop a year later and quickly expanded, opening their first UK branch in London in 2022. | TSPL
7. Miniso's first Scottish store
Hundreds of people queued outside when Chinese chain Miniso opened its first Scottish store at 88 Princes Street in March 2025. Described as a "lifestyle retailer", Miniso sells a wide range of products from soft toys and popular brands like Disney, Marvel and Pokémon to beauty, homeware, tech, and snacks. | TSPL
8. Serviced apartments
Planning permission has been granted for 10 serviced apartments on the second and third floors of 95-96 Princes Street. Six will face onto Princes Street and the others onto a courtyard off Rose Street South Lane. | TSPL