Granted subject to conditions, the planning application includes the demolition of the low-rise and outdated Elgin House office building, which lies close to Haymarket Station and the tram link.

The sustainable mixed-use development will comprise a nine-storey hotel of approximately 197 rooms with a ground floor café and a separate ten-storey modern office building with associated public realm plaza. Designed by 7N Architects, it is being brought forward by Stamford Property Holdings and potential occupiers are now being sought, with construction set to start in 2024.

Described as a ‘net zero in operation office development’, the building will have shared internal winter garden spaces and extensive landscaped roof terraces offering amenity space and views south to the Pentland Hills.

It responds to the climate emergency through adopting extensive energy efficiency measures and renewable energy strategies by virtue of a highly insulated built fabric, solar PV array, and air source heat pump (ASHP) low carbon heating system. The development is aiming for a minimum BREEAM Excellent rating, WIRED Platinum rating, Gold Smart Score and a NABERS minimum target of 5.

Located at a major transport hub close to Haymarket Station, the office proposal includes four parking spaces with electric vehicle charging capability and one accessible parking bay. The hotel is parking-free.

Commenting on this, Uri Goldberg from Stamford Property Holdings said: “Our development will regenerate and intensify a current brownfield site in Edinburgh City Centre, meeting a significant demand for a new kind of workspace that is sustainable and enhances the wellbeing of occupiers, designed to be amongst the highest standards of ESG compliant developments coming forward.

“Addressing a growing demand for modern office workspaces in this historic city, this will help to retain and create jobs in the city centre. Additionally, our hotel offering serves to address a clear need for bed spaces. This will allow people to work and stay in the city centre, supporting local businesses.

“Located at a key public transport hub at Haymarket, and with high-quality public realm on offer, this net zero development will adopt extensive energy efficiency measures and renewable energy strategies, playing an important role in helping to achieve Edinburgh’s drive towards becoming a net zero city by 2030.

“We are keen to discuss the opportunities on offer with any potential occupiers.”

The project team includes architect – 7N Architects, civil and structures – Woolgar Hunter, environmental consultants, acoustics and air quality - ITPEnergised, sustainability and building services – Atelier Ten, landscape architect – OPEN, planning consultant – Scott Hobbs Planning, project manager - Edmond Shipway LLP and transport – SWECO, communications – Orbit Communications.