By Kevin Quinn

Copyright scotsman

J & M Cameron Properties Limited is proposing a five-storey extension at the Kick Ass Greyfriars Hostel at 37-39 Cowgate, with plans lodged with the City of Edinburgh Council’s planning department on August 26. The proposals are for the extension of hostel premises comprising guest accommodation on the upper floors, and a public bar on the ground floor incorporating a partial conversion of the existing ground floor, plus minor ancillary internal alterations. The fourth floor would provide a lounge area. Some minor changes to the interior of the listed building would be required to connect the existing building with the proposed extension and to consolidate bathroom facilities and circulation routes. The proposed extension will include 10 dormitory rooms of new hostel accommodation on the upper floors, including three rooms on floors 2-4, and a further lounge /dorm on the top floor. The ground floor façade of the listed building to Candlemaker Row will be altered with the reinstatement of a traditional shop window frontage, informed by details from the 1903 drawings of the listed building. The new development would occupy an area to the south of the building bounded by Candlemaker Row, which is currently in use as an external bar / hospitality area, with an informal pergola-like timber structure, which is set back from the street. James Cameron, director J&M Cameron Ltd, said: “The demand for quality, affordable hostel accommodation continues to grow, particularly in Edinburgh which remains a key destination for tourists, festival-goers and students all year round. Larger corporate operators have been attracted to the budget tourism sector and, as a local business, we are proud to retain our market leading offer. “However the rising demand for accommodation in the city particularly during peak travel seasons has resulted in our hostels operating at capacity for much of the year, and a consequent need to expand the business with additional accommodation. “Our beer garden at Greyfriars Kick Ass commenced during Covid and was a lifeline for the business due to the constraints on visitor accommodation. But it now represents an under-utilised facility and offers opportunity for an extension to the hostel that will sustain our future. “The proposed development will support the local tourism sector by increasing capacity in a central, walkable location, reducing reliance on transport and lowering the environmental footprint of travellers. “This development represents a natural and necessary evolution of our business, aligning with local planning objectives that encourage sustainable tourism, efficient land use, and economic growth. “The project will enhance the city’s offering for travellers while preserving the historic and social value of the Grassmarket area”. The size of the proposed extension is 170sqm and the development will comprise 755sqm of new build floorspace over five floors. The plans show that the form of the hostel extension roof has been designed to fit with the varied roof forms present in the Old Town, removing large areas of flat roof / roof terrace. There is also the possibility of a further extension at the Cowgate hostel, with the planning documents stating that “conversations with Scottish Power have commenced exploring the option of extending the hostel over the site currently occupied by the substation”. Manuela Molendini, director at the applicant’s planning agent Hackland + Dore Architects, said: “Hackland + Dore Architects are pleased to support a successful local business looking to expand with a design that has been carefully considered, taking into account the understanding of the heritage context. “As such the proposals remain sympathetic to the existing architecture and built context while infilling and regenerating an unsightly brownfield gap site. The proposals also enhance the area and reinvigorate the street scene by providing significant heritage, urban, social and environmental improvements.” Sign up for our Breaking Newsletter and stay up to date on the latest news stories from Edinburgh and the Lothians. The setback at the upper, mansard roof storey of the building has been increased, so that the gable end of the listed building is visible. While, stone façade materials and metal roof cladding with muted green tones have been chosen to blend with the materiality of the surrounding conservation area and adjacent listed buildings. Having previously been an NHS building since the 1950s, the buildings at 37-39 Cowgate were later redeveloped to form a backpackers’ hostel in 1999, known originally as Budget Backpackers Hostel, before as currently the Greyfriar’s Kick Ass Hostel. An external hospitality space associated with the hostel was constructed in the 2020s, and includes seating under a timber pergola. For the latest public notices from your area, please visit: https://publicnoticeportal.uk