UK: RRH Investments Ltd has submitted a planning application to transform offices above the Bank of Scotland in Edinburgh into serviced apartments.
RRH owns 73-75 George Street – a building which is currently occupied by Bank of Scotland. The site includes a banking facility on the ground floor with offices and storage space on the upper three floors.
The building was purchased as a conversion opportunity and to complement a neighbouring building at 71 George Street, also owned by RRH. Work has already begun on 71 George Street, which will see the building converted into 27 serviced apartments.
Plans call for permission to convert and extend the upper floors into 24 serviced apartments with the existing bank retained at ground and basement level. Architecture firm Fletcher Joseph Associates would lead the redevelopment.
A statement by Pritchett Planning Consultancy read: “It is worth noting in respect of the use that ‘serviced apartments’ are sui generis and do not fall into any use class. The high quality apartments proposed in this case would be of the same quality and size of room being constructed in the adjacent 71 George Street. This type of accommodation caters for a range of guests from business travellers to tourists and families who wish to have more flexibility and the ability to cook and eat flexibly within a larger room with all amenities.
“The premises would not have a food and beverage offering. Access would be via keyless electronic apps designed again to add to the flexibility which is now required by well-travelled and discerning guests. Differing lengths of stay can also be accommodated due to the flexible nature of the accommodation. The operator considers there to be a significant gap in the market place for this type of larger flexible accommodation which is of a superior standard and design.”
