Summerhall under threat of ‘partial demolition’
The building, which houses Summerhall Arts, has been pegged for substantial ‘redevelopment’ from AMA (New Town) Limited
Summerhall, the historic building which is mostly associated with Summerhall Arts, appears to be under threat, according to plans by Developer AMA (New Town) Limited to redevelop sections of the site into a hotel and student flats.
A pre-application notice filed by AMA argues for a partial demolition of the building to make space for a mixed use development comprising ‘an arts centre cultural, community and venue spaces, commercial leisure and food/drink, small retail; commercial business space for employment/office space; hotel/leisure visitor accommodation and venue spaces; residential accommodation in a blend of co-Living, student and apartments (sui generis); associated amenity space, landscaping, infrastructure and ancillary works.’
The first pre-application consultation meeting event will take place at Summerhall on Wednesday 7 October between 3pm and 7.30pm, which will ‘provide information on the proposed development and the opportunity to provide feedback.'
In its current form, the Summerhall building houses more than 110 artists, business, makers, and science and tech innovators in Edinburgh, including Barney’s Beer, Magnetic North Theatre, the photographer Peter Dibdin, Big Squid Events & Production, and the textile designer Jyoti Sigouin. The site is also globally recognised as a hub of experimental art and theatre during Edinburgh’s festival season.
Citing the importance of Summerhall as a hub for the arts, a recent press release from Summerhall Arts states: ‘Having a year-round base in Edinburgh is vital. The development work we do here doesn’t simply fuel our Fringe programme, it supports artists to create work that goes on to venues and festivals across the city and beyond. It gives artists space to experiment, develop ideas and build new work throughout the year, making it an important part of Scotland’s cultural infrastructure.’
Sam Gough, chief executive of Summerhall Arts, adds: ‘At a time when [the art] ecosystem is under enormous pressure, with organisations including The Skinny and the CCA among those lost or facing significant challenges in recent years, protecting year-round cultural infrastructure and the spaces where artists can take risks is vital. The future of our festivals depends on the artists and organisations that create and develop the work long before it reaches August.
‘As Edinburgh considers the future of the Tourist Levy, it is important that the income generated by visitors is recognised as an opportunity to invest in the cultural infrastructure that makes the city what it is. Supporting year-round venues, artists and risk-takers helps sustain the whole ecosystem, not simply the festival period.’
With thanks to the Edinburgh Minute for its initial coverage of this story.