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.
13. Serviced apartments
A change of use has been approved to create 14 serviced apartments on the second and third floors at 120b Princes Street, above the Willow Tea Rooms. The space is currently empty or used for storage. Around half the apartments will face onto Princes Street and the other half onto Rose Street South Lane. | TSPL
14. Popeyes
Popular fried chicken chain Popeyes has taken over the former Halifax branch at 131-133 Princes Street for its first Edinburgh restaurant, which opened in March 2025. Founded in New Orleans in 1972, the fast food outlet sells a wide range of fried chicken dishes from burgers and wraps to chicken wings and chicken on the bone. It already has restaurants in Glasgow and Aberdeen and over 4,000 around the world in more than 30 countries. | TSPL
15. Johnnie Walker
The Johnnie Walker visitor experince opened in the former House of Fraser department store at the west end of Princes Street in September 2021. It was seen as the start of a new era for what had been Edinburgh's main shopping street. The eight-floor attraction, which includes a rooftop bar with spectacular views over the city, has welcomed over a million visitors from 141 countries since it opened. | TSPL