June 22, 2018
Moorgarth, asset manager for the owner of the Waverley Mall, has submitted its latest development proposals for the mall, designed to revitalise the existing roof space and create a new market-style piazza and natural meeting place within the heart of the capital.
Since acquiring the mall in March 2017, Moorgarth has undertaken a comprehensive review of the shopping destination to understand how it contributes to Edinburgh’s retail and leisure scene. This has led to the development of plans which significantly enhances and improves the way the mall integrates into its surrounding area.
Along with a newly designed roof space, a new entrance at the corner of Princes Street and Waverley Bridge will be created enabling full disabled access, much improved circulation at the top of Waverley Steps and a doubling of the width of the pavement travelling west towards the Scott Monument.
As Tim Vaughan, CEO Moorgarth Group explains, these proposals are all about maximising the potential of this unique site, for the benefit of both Edinburgh’s residents and visitors:
“Following our acquisition of Waverley Mall, the intention has always been to explore and fully understand the role it plays within the fabric of Edinburgh. This has brought about a vision that looks to return areas of the mall back to the original market concept, whilst looking to create something of real quality and vibrancy within the heart of the city.
“Along with the improved roof space, the new entrance and the widening of the pavement on Princes Street are all about establishing a greater sense of arrival into Edinburgh that utilises its unique and very important location. Retail is continuing to change and through innovative design we can create a truly destinational scheme offering facilities that Edinburgh currently doesn’t have. It is imperative that we enable the current offer to change and evolve to meet today’s customer demands for both residents, businesses and visitors to Edinburgh.”
A key feature of the new roof terrace will be the creation of retail, restaurants and leisure units along the south, east and west elevations. The north elevation of the terrace will be open onto Princes Street with steps leading from Princes Street to a wide open European style piazza area. This area can be secured at night, addressing anti-social behaviour issues whilst providing the opportunity for the terrace to become a controlled social and amenity space. The designs at roof level reflect the elegant parterre style gardens of the original Victorian Waverley Market and will provide an attractive addition to the site. A walkway along the entire southern elevation will provide access to the magnificent views of the Old Town.
In March 2018, Moorgarth was granted planning permission to widen the entrances onto Waverley Steps in an effort to enhance the visitor experience to the centre and the general aspect up the steps themselves. In addition, Waverley Mall will soon undergo a programme of internal works, aimed at reviving the look and feel of the mall.
