AN UNUSUALLY shaped hotel is to help kick-start the regeneration surrounding Edinburgh’s historic Leith Harbour.
The striking triangle-fronted, nine-storey, 25-bedroomed building is to built close to Ocean Terminal and has been specifically designed to fit the irregular shape of the site.
The as-yet unnamed hotel would be the first of five hotels expected to be built in the area as part of a £700 million redevelopment package.
Included in the plans are a bar and a restaurant which will boast stunning views over the Firth of Forth as well being positioned just yards from the newly-constructed tram line.
A spokesman for AWG, who represent developers Ocean Points Development Limited, said: “The hotel has been designed to complement the developments in the area and would be ideally placed close by to the proposed tram stop.
“We are in talks with various operators, although no detailed decisions will be made until planning consent has been approved.”
New transport links
The hotel’s ground floor reception will face the Ocean Terminal complex and the proposed Tram Plaza, while conference facilities will be incorporated into the first floor.
The tram service will provide direct public transport links to the city centre, Edinburgh Airport and train station.
A spokesman for Forth Ports said: “This marks another step forward in the waterfront development at Leith.
“This is a long-term project over 20-30 years and we look forward to seeing its progress.”
Major plans for the regeneration of the historic port are said to include a new marina, hundreds of new homes and a permanent new home for the Royal Yacht Britannia.
The first work will begin later this year with the expansion of Ocean terminal and the completion of the tram plaza.
Other developments thought to be in the pipeline include the construction of public areas including a civic square.
