A MAJOR update on the top Edinburgh creative venue Summerhall has been issued, with the site’s future as a Fringe venue undecided, developers have said.
Edinburgh-based developer AMA had previously been confirmed as the preferred bidder for the Summerhall arts hub, telling reporters bosses aim to treat the building with “respect and consideration” for its “rich history”.
AMA has now entered a contract to secure the long-term legacy of the venue, but refused to comment on whether it would retain Summerhall as a Fringe venue.
The arts complex, formerly a veterinary college, acts as a major venue during the Edinburgh Fringe and contains a pub as well as hosting spaces for artists and small businesses.
The mixed-use development is expected to include a commercial element as well as “living space”, the developer said, adding that a public and planning consultation period to determine the future use of the site will take place within the next year.
Clarity on the building's function as a Fringe venue will come in the form of its planning application and subsequent public consultation as the housebuilder works on the building for the next three years, the company said.
A representative from Oesselmann Estate Limited, the buildings current owner, said: “We are continuing to work closely with AMA to hand over ownership of Summerhall following a successful planning outcome. AMA has committed to creating a mixed-use space with a continued arts use that will truly enliven the fabric of the local community.”
Stephen Kay, director of Capital Markets at CuthbertWhite, the independent commercial property consultants managing the transaction, added: “We are pleased to have secured agreement with Scot Art to manage the iconic Summerhall arts and entertainment venue.
"Within this process, Scot Art, alongside subtenant Summerhall Arts, have signed leases for the continued use of Summerhall for a minimum of three years.”
Dr Ali Afshar, co-founder and managing director of AMA, said: “As a family owned, Edinburgh based company, we understand how deeply valued Summerhall is to the community here, and as its future custodian we will protect its historic legacy and forge a bright future for the estate.
"Having now formally entered a contract to acquire Summerhall, we will begin to consider the next steps to shape its plans for the future. In the coming months, we will begin to undertake consultations with the local community and the City of Edinburgh Council.
“We anticipate that this consultation period will take a considerable time as we prepare to lodge a planning application, given Summerhall is a highly sensitive site. This lengthy period will enable us all to agree a way forward. The redevelopment will be critical to maintaining the integrity of Summerhall and the fabric of its buildings, many of which are significantly underused, protecting them for the long term.
“We foresee that the result will be a mixed-use development, including both living and commercial space, while providing a facility to sustainably continue the provision of the arts. Our aim is to build a legacy that we can all be proud of, and we want to assure all parties that our guiding principle will be a commitment to creating a high-quality redevelopment for the benefit of all.”
