A section of Princes Street is expected to remain closed for at least another three weeks while engineers secure the fragile façade of the fire-damaged former Debenhams building.
The continued close comes amid calls for the Scottish government to provide emergency support as it did for those affected by the Union Corner fire in Glasgow.
Scottish Liberal Democrat Edinburgh MSP Sanne Dijkstra-Downie has today written to First Minister to ask whether help can be provided for the council and city centre businesses.
Steelwork is being installed to reinforce the damage to the Princes Street building following the blaze on 9 July. Structural engineers have concluded that it would be unsafe for vehicles, including trams, to pass the building even at low speeds until the façade has been secured.
The work is expected to take around three weeks, although the timetable will depend on the weather. Cranes cannot operate when wind speeds exceed safe limits, while much of the complex work is being carried out by hand.
A section of west Princes Street remains closed between Charlotte Street and Frederick Street. Pedestrian access is also restricted between Boots and the former Debenhams building at 101-112 Princes Street.
Some progress has been made at the eastern end of the site. Edinburgh Council hopes to reduce the cordon later this week, potentially allowing the Princes Street branch of Boots to reopen over the weekend.
There was also better news for two important historic features within the building. The original Victorian staircase and stained-glass windows commemorating former prime minister Benjamin Disraeli have survived relatively unscathed.
Both features, located within 111-112 Princes Street, date from the 1880s. They will now be examined to determine whether conservation or repair work is required.
Around 50 firefighters were involved at the height of the blaze, which broke out shortly before 3am on 9 July. Six fire appliances, two high-reach appliances and additional specialist resources were sent to the scene. No casualties were reported.
The closure continues to cause significant disruption as Edinburgh prepares for the August festivals. Trams are operating between Edinburgh Airport and the West End at Shandwick Place, with services unable to continue along Princes Street towards Newhaven.
Buses are being diverted through George Street and Queen Street, and passengers have been advised to plan ahead and allow additional time for journeys.
Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, Edinburgh’s transport and environment convener, said the council was doing everything possible to reopen the street safely.
He said: “The complexity of the remedial work cannot be understated, with specialists working, mostly by hand, under extremely challenging circumstances.”
He acknowledged the effect on businesses and public transport but stressed that Edinburgh remained open as it entered its busiest period of the summer.
Coun Jenkinson added that the survival of the staircase and stained-glass windows was “a rare silver lining in this terrible event”, while thanking engineers, transport workers, council staff and others involved in the response.
Hotels open
There is better news for the tourism industry elsewhere in Edinburgh as new hotels open.
On Saturday, 21-room Stay Hush Royal Mile will open on Cooper’s Close, just off the Royal Mile.
Backed by Edinburgh-based LSG Capital, the project has entailed a comprehensive redevelopment of a historic building in the heart of the Old Town.
It is the second property under the Stay Hush brand, joining 33 Castle Terrace, as LSG builds a portfolio of aparthotels in Edinburgh.
Alongside the Stay Hush aparthotel, LSG is launching Mile Yard, a new food and drink offering for both guests and locals.
“Edinburgh is one of the most compelling hospitality markets in Europe — demand consistently outstrips supply of quality accommodation,” said David Dunne, group operations director for LSG Capital. “Stay Hush Royal Mile is the second asset in a portfolio we intend to grow significantly in the city over the coming years.”
NYX Hotels has opened its first Scottish venue in Jeffrey Street, linking the Royal Mile and Waverley Station.
The hotel, which has created 60 jobs, is a £60 million investment in the city, expanding the existing Leonardo Royal Hotel site and creating 125 rooms, bar and restaurant.
Simone Villari, manager, said: “With the Edinburgh Fringe Festival just around the corner, this is a particularly exciting time to open.”
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