View of Balmoral Hotel from New St Andrew's House

Category

Library Item

Item no

41836

Title

View of General Register House and Balmoral Hotel from the roof of New St Andrew's House

Artist / maker

MacLean, Kevin

Date

2016

Type

Digital image

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

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, a variety of restaurants and a cinema. There is also a 12 storey W hotel with its controversial 'ribbon' design, an aparthotel and 152 apartments. The Dunard Centre concert hall, designed by Sir David Chipperfield, will link the St James Quarter with St Andrew Square.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Balustrades

Architecture > Architectural features > Clocks and clock towers

Architecture > Architectural features > Domes

Business > Service industry > Offices

Places > Edinburgh areas > Princes Street

Places > Edinburgh Landmarks > Balmoral Hotel

Places > Edinburgh Landmarks > Edinburgh Castle

Places > Edinburgh Landmarks > Princes Street

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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.