Artisan Real Estate Submits Planning Application for 102-Bedroom Hotel in Edinburgh’s New Town
Artisan Real Estate has officially submitted a planning application to the City of Edinburgh Council for the redevelopment of Albany House into a 102-bedroom hotel. Situated at the prominent corner of Broughton Street in the capital’s historic New Town, the 1980s office building is set to be vacated later this year, paving the way for its transformation into a contemporary hospitality destination.
The proposed scheme will retain the majority of the building’s existing sandstone structure, which was originally designed to complement the Georgian architecture of neighbouring Albany Street. A key feature of the redevelopment includes the introduction of a new, modern cladding on the top floor, ensuring the design meets current performance standards while respecting the surrounding built environment.
Artisan has agreed terms with Whitbread to operate the hotel under its Hub by Premier Inn brand an offering known for its smart, efficient design and strong presence in key urban locations. The interior will be comprehensively upgraded, with a particular focus on energy efficiency, insulation, and guest comfort.
As part of the hotel’s sustainability strategy, the existing fossil fuel-based water system will be replaced with air-sourced heat pump technology, significantly reducing the building’s carbon footprint and aligning with Scotland’s net-zero targets. High levels of natural daylight and an existing entrance configuration make the property well-suited to this modern conversion.
David Westwater, Artisan’s Managing Director for Scotland, stated: “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Whitbread in delivering a sustainable and high-quality hospitality offering that supports the ongoing regeneration of Edinburgh’s city centre.”
The submission follows Artisan’s recent planning success at the former Caledonian Brewery site, which was approved for residential redevelopment in May. The Albany House proposal represents another key step in the company’s commitment to sustainable urban regeneration across the Scottish capital.
