Work at Edinburgh Jenners underway to turn iconic building into luxury hotel and bar

Road barriers and fences have been put in place as work has begun to refit Edinburgh’s iconic Jenners building.

Several lanes have been blocked off on South St David Street as the next stage in the construction phase gets underway.

A temporary pedestrian path has also been set up as the pavement next to the former department store is fenced off.

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Currently in the midst of a five-year restoration project, Jenners was gutted by a fire in January last year which tragically claimed the life of firefighter Barry Martin. Victorian wiring and asbestos has been removed from the building, with the next phase having now begun.

Businesses have had to deal with the disruptions to traffic in the area, which has affected footfall in the busy summer period.

Many locals are pleased that work is finally going ahead to give the beloved building a revamp.

Plans for the refurbished Jenners include the accommodation of a high-end hotel, restaurants, and bar.

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Edinburgh resident Deirdre, 50 said: “It’s good that it’s going to be rescued… it’ll be good to have it back in use. I miss the tradition of the Christmas tree in Jenners…everything changes, but it’s better it’s used.

“I’m sure there’ll be a cocktail bar, I might have to treat myself for old times’ sake."

Passerby Lynne Gentleman said: “As long as they keep to the tradition of the building…I’m happy it’s going to be something. A hotel seems like a good option.”

Visitor to the city Duncan Alexander said: “Princes Street is dismal and needs a lot of work done. It’s full of half-shut shops. Having it boarded up for so long was a massive shame."

Craig, a porter at the nearby Mercure Hotel on Princes Street, said: “I think it’s going to be great for Edinburgh.” Adding that he was excited about the future of Jenners, Craig praised the building’s architecture.

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He said: “There’s so much property on Princes Street that’s just getting wasted. All the lovely old buildings…I’d like to see more shops and culture coming back to the city centre…instead of having to go out to Fort Kinnaird or down to Ocean Terminal.”

Jenners is a category-A listed building which dates back to 1895. It was purchased in 2017 by AAA United, a real estate firm owned by Scotland's richest man Anders Holch Povlsen.

On January 23 last year, a devastating blaze broke out in the building. Locals on Princes Street witnessed smoke so thick they "couldn't see through it". Photos from the incident showed smashed windows and charred furniture, while scorched debris was scattered over the floor.

Around 40 firefighters battled the blaze, with Barry Martin sadly losing his life. The 38-year-old's funeral took place at St Giles' Cathedral the following month. He left behind a wife and two children.