TOWNHOUSES which used to form part of the Sick Kids Hospital in Marchmont, Edinburgh could be converted into serviced holiday flats under new plans.
Part of a larger redevelopment project for the former Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHSC) just south of the Meadows in Edinburgh, the plans would see disused tenements on the corner of Rillbank Crescent and Rillbank Terrace into 46 flats.
The townhouses on the edge of the Meadows have lain empty since 2021, when the hospital moved to Little France, near the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
Contemporary features such as kitchenettes and en-suite bathrooms will be installed, while original features such as cornices and large fireplaces will be retained and incorporated wherever possible.
A mockup of the final outcome of the overall redevelopment of the RHSC shows the area transformed (C) Fletcher Joseph
When the buildings were originally constructed in the 19th century, they were reportedly used for residential purposes.
They had been in use as part of the RHSC for some time before the hospital relocated, however.
Iceni Projects, which submitted the plans on behalf of developers Rillbank Developments, say that conservation will be at the heart of the project, and that “minimal” external alterations will be necessary.
In a planning statement, they said: “There will be no impact upon the appearance, character or setting of any heritage asset – including the setting of nearby listed buildings.
“Although the properties themselves are not listed, they make a positive contribution to the conservation area.
“The properties have now been vacant for a number of years, and the proposed development presents an opportunity for their carefully considered reuse, securing their future via a long-term viable use.
“Overall, the proposal will make a net positive contribution to the character/appearance of the conservation area – this represents a significant public benefit.”
Previous planning applications have been submitted for the building, but none have yet been seen through to fruition.
Many of the buildings of the former RHSC, which surround the townhouses, however, have already been redeveloped into student housing, affordable housing, residential conversion of the main hospital building, and public realm enhancements.
Planners now claim that the serviced apartments will reinforce the mixed-use character of the site and the wider area.
Fletcher Joseph, an Edinburgh architecture firm, was appointed as the main architects for the project and detailed its design plans for the project.
Its statement read: “The proposal comprises the change of use of the buildings to serviced apartments (Sui Generis), delivering 46 apartments in total.
“These are supported by a ground floor reception and small resident lounge, alongside a shared co-work and lounge space at second floor level where roof geometry restricts the provision of accommodation.
“The change of use is driven by a robust business case that supports the wider RHSC redevelopment.
“Serviced apartments represent a commercially viable, quasi-residential use that aligns with the architectural form of the buildings and introduces sustained activity without the intensity associated with hotel uses.
“By attracting longer-stay visitors, the development supports local businesses, cafés and services around Marchmont and the Meadows, contributing to day-to-day vitality rather than short-term visitor spikes.”
The hospital’s interior will see extensive alterations (C) Iceni Projects
A new lift will be introduced into the site at 14–18 Rillbank Terrace and 2 Rillbank Crescent to provide enhanced circulation throughout the building.
External alterations will be minimal, with traditional materials like natural sandstone and lime mortar used to ensure consistency with the existing fabric of the area.
The existing windows, which planners say are beyond repair, will be replaced with new, high-quality timber sash and case windows, while the traditional sandstone cornices will be retained.
The townhouses are not listed buildings, but they do fall in the Marchmont, Meadows, and Bruntsfield Conservation area and are close by to multiple listed buildings.
To promote biodiversity, developers have pledged to install planters, greenery, and birdboxes outside the building.
46 flats will be installed across four storeys.
Iceni Projects has been approached for comment.
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