A controversial hotel project in Edinburgh has been given the go-ahead, despite campaigners against its construction saying it will wreck the city’s world-renowned skyline.Called the ‘Ribbon Hotel’ in reference to its unusual façade, the 12-storey property is expected to open in 2020. Luxury chains W and Four Seasons are rumoured to be among those interested in acquiring the space to move in.
The hotel is seen as a key factor in the wider success of an £850 million investment into the development of the St. James part of Edinburgh. The plans went in front of a planning committee this week and were given the green light, but opponents have said the hotel and its design will have an ‘adverse’ impact on the rest of the city’s World Heritage-listed skyline.
What is clear is the 204 rooms the hotel will offer will add much-needed luxury room space in the city as it bids to attract high-spending tourists. The biggest concerns revolve around the bronze coloured, stainless steel coating, which critics have said could be “too shiny and reflective”.
The criticism might explain why, while the hotel was given the go-ahead, a decision on the material used to form the building’s distinctive ribbon-like swirl has been delayed. JESTICO + Whiles, the architect responsible for the contentious “ribbon” design, has designed a number of high-profile hotels in the past – including London’s One Aldwych.
