View from the Roof of New St Andrew's House

Category

Library Item

Item no

41832

Title

View towards Leith from the roof of New St Andrew's House, prior to demolition

Description

The view overlooks the roof of St Mary's Cathedral.

Artist / maker

MacLean, Kevin

Date

2016

Type

Digital image

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Cathedral Lane is visible to the immediate left below the roof of St Mary's Cathedral. It is accessible by both vehicles and pedestrians and at the top of lane is an old church building, originally known as the St James Place Relief Church which pre-dates the cathedral.

New St Andrew's House was built as part of the St James Centre development, on the site of the eighteenth century St James Square which was demolished in 1965. The new building was completed in 1970 and occupied for the first time in 1974 by the former Scottish Office. It was closed during 1995-96 and remained empty, partly due to the asbestos which had been used in its construction. As a concrete building in the Brutalist style, with cliff face elevations and unattractive fenestration, it faced substantial public opposition when it was first built, and continued to be a somewhat controversial development.

It was demolished along with the neighbouring St James Centre and Thistle Hotel. John Lewis being the only part of the St James Centre to continue trading throughout the demolition and construction of the new development, designed by Allan Murray Architects. The retail centre, which opened on 24 June 2021, has more than 80 shops, a food hall and a variety of restaurants. A cinema is also due to open, as well as the 12 storey W hotel with its controversial 'ribbon' design, an aparthotel and 152 apartments which are expected to be completed in 2022.
The Dunard Centre concert hall, designed by Sir David Chipperfield, will link the St James Quarter with St Andrew Square when it is completed in 2025.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Roofs

Business > Service industry > Shops

Homes > Residential buildings > Tenements

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Plants > Trees > Trees

Religion > Religious facilities > Cathedrals

Religion > Religious facilities > Churches

Transport > Infrastructure > Roads

Read how our collections have inspired people taking part in events, visits and community groups. Use the slider or navigation arrows to see more responses.

View from the roof of New St Andrew's House