Luxury serviced apartment operator Destiny Scotland has filed plans to convert vacant B-listed townhouses on Edinburgh’s famous Princes Street into 24 high-end apartments and a company office. This move aims to breathe new life into semi-derelict buildings that have sat empty for decades in the heart of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The project, led by conservation experts Studio LBA, builds on earlier approvals while adding modern touches to enhance energy efficiency and appeal to tourists.
Reviving Historic Townhouses on Princes Street
Princes Street stands as one of Edinburgh’s most iconic spots, a bustling thoroughfare that has shaped the city’s identity since the late 1700s. Part of the grand New Town development that began in 1767, the street features elegant Georgian architecture that draws millions of visitors each year. Today, with tourism rebounding strongly in 2025, the area sees over 4.5 million overnight stays in the region, fueling demand for quality accommodations.
These specific townhouses at 72-77 Princes Street and 1-5 Hanover Street have fallen into disrepair over the years. Vacant for decades, they represent a common challenge in historic urban centers where old structures wait for adaptive reuse. Destiny Scotland’s proposal seeks to address this by transforming the spaces without losing their charm. The buildings, protected as B-listed due to their cultural value, will undergo careful restoration to respect the surrounding heritage.
Local leaders view such projects as vital for the city’s growth. Edinburgh’s property market in 2025 shows rental prices up by 4.6 percent, averaging 1,407 pounds per month in the Lothian area. This conversion could help meet the rising need for short-term stays amid a booming serviced apartment sector projected to grow at 8.8 percent annually across the UK.
Details of the Proposed Development
The new plans call for 24 serviced apartments, down from a previous approval for 30 units granted in 2023. This adjustment allows for more spacious layouts and includes changes to the roof level for better functionality. The first-floor commercial area will become Destiny Scotland’s office headquarters, supporting the company’s expansion.
Modern upgrades form a key part of the vision. New windows and thermal improvements will tackle heat loss issues in the aging structures, making them more sustainable. These features align with broader trends in Edinburgh, where green retrofits are encouraged to combat climate challenges while preserving history.
To illustrate the project’s scope, here is a comparison of the previous and current proposals:
| Aspect | Previous 2023 Permission | New 2025 Proposal |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Apartments | 30 serviced units | 24 serviced apartments |
| Roof Modifications | None specified | Adjustments for efficiency |
| Commercial Space | Retail potential | Company office retained |
| Energy Upgrades | Basic | Thermal and window enhancements |
| Total Footprint | Similar layouts | Optimized for luxury |
This table highlights how the updated plan refines the original idea for better long-term viability.
Expertise from Studio LBA in Conservation
Studio LBA brings deep knowledge to the table as the lead architect and consultant. The firm specializes in sympathetic restorations that blend old and new, ensuring projects like this one safeguard Edinburgh’s architectural legacy. Their involvement underscores the delicate balance needed in a UNESCO-protected zone.
John Cameron, a conservation architect at Studio LBA, emphasized the project’s importance. He noted that it offers a chance to protect the historic character of these properties for future generations. Such efforts are crucial as the city manages growth pressures, with recent approvals for similar conversions like a warehouse-turned-hotel showing a pattern of adaptive reuse.
The firm’s track record includes other high-profile works in the area, demonstrating their ability to navigate strict heritage rules. This expertise will help Destiny Scotland deliver apartments that feel like a home away from home, complete with fully equipped kitchens and modern amenities.
Impact on Edinburgh’s Serviced Apartment Market
Destiny Scotland already runs 15 properties across Edinburgh, catering to tourists and business travelers in central locations. Adding this Princes Street site would strengthen their portfolio in a market hungry for more options. The UK serviced apartment industry is set to reach 4.49 billion dollars in value this year, driven by demand for flexible stays over traditional hotels.
This development ties into wider trends. Edinburgh’s short-term rental scene thrives in 2025, with property owners boosting incomes through platforms amid high visitor numbers. Yet, it also raises questions about balancing tourism with local housing needs, a hot topic in recent city discussions.
Experts predict these luxury units could attract high-end guests, supporting jobs in hospitality and contributing to the local economy. With the city’s hotel profits up significantly in the year to May 2025, such initiatives promise to keep Edinburgh competitive as a top destination.
- Key benefits of the project include enhanced thermal efficiency to reduce energy costs.
- It will create 24 luxury units tailored for short stays, boosting tourism revenue.
- The office space allows Destiny Scotland to centralize operations in a prime spot.
- Restoration preserves B-listed features, aligning with UNESCO guidelines.
- Expected completion could align with peak 2026 festival season for maximum impact.
Preserving Heritage in a Changing City
Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns form a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its intact Georgian layout. Projects like this one must adhere to strict management plans that protect the site’s universal value. The council’s recent strategies emphasize sustainable development to avoid past mistakes, such as controversial proposals in the 1950s that threatened the street with a motorway.
Stuart Moffat, managing director at Destiny Scotland Group, shared his excitement about the addition. He highlighted the company’s focus on home-like experiences and praised Studio LBA’s role in modernizing the buildings sensitively. This approach not only revives vacant spaces but also enriches the street’s evolving role from shopping hub to mixed-use vibrant area.
As the city faces ongoing debates over development, this proposal stands as a model of thoughtful progress. It connects to recent events like the approval of green initiatives in heritage zones, showing how conservation and innovation can coexist.
Readers, what do you think about bringing new life to these historic townhouses? Share your views in the comments below and spread the word by sharing this article with friends interested in Edinburgh’s future.
