Page 25 - November 2021

When a seven-acre site within the world heritage area became The pandemic paused some of our momentum and, in Scotland,
available in Edinburgh, Nuveen immediately saw the potential in the all construction activity was halted for three months,” said Perry.
site to develop this part of the city and tap into the global megatrends “Despite this, the retail element of St James Quarter opened with
they had identified. over 70 per cent of stores trading and over 85 per cent let. These
From the beginning, their aim for the development was to integrate included brands such as Bershka, Pull&Bear, Stradivarius, & Other
seamlessly into Edinburgh physically, culturally and socially. Physically, Stories, LEGO and Peloton. These are all new to the city and, in some
it was to knit effortlessly into the natural stone city fabric and they instances, Scotland,” he continued.
used the natural topography and complemented the existing cityscape, In today’s world when connectivity and accessibility are so
whilst engaging fully with the road, rail, bus, tram, cycle and pedestrian important to new global schemes, these were integral aspects of St
networks. Culturally, they sought to provide spaces for the city’s rich James Quarter. Ensuring the scheme was seamlessly integrated within
festival culture to expand into, while also identifying gaps where St the surrounding streetscape was central to the entire design and it
James Quarter could add to the overall city offer. Finally, socially, provides step-free access with the city for all guests. The site is also
they were dedicated to becoming a part of the day-to-day life of the accessible for visitors by acting as an interchange hub between modes
city through its rich mix of uses, community and digital integration. of transport.
“St James Quarter is a £1bn city centre scheme in Edinburgh “From a design perspective, the project fits into the form,
spanning 1.7 million square feet. The retail element comprises materiality, townscape, streetscape and architectural rhythm of the
850,000sq ft and first opened as part of phase one in June this year, historical Georgian new town of Edinburgh, whilst creating a single
with approximately 85 new stores. This includes an enticing mix of landmark building of contrast, pointing to Edinburgh’s future and
restaurants anchored by a 16,000sq ft Bonnie & Wild food hall,” terminating two important visual axes. The roofs have been designed
explains Martin Perry, Director of Development, Europe at Nuveen. to fit seamlessly into the city when viewed from afar with the addition
The new site will also play host to the UK’s second ever W hotel, to the skyline adding to Edinburgh’s rich and playful silhouette,”
along with 152 residential apartments built by Native Land and a Perry comments.
75-bed Roomzzz aparthotel. In addition, it will include a 17,000sq ft When discussing the inspiration behind the project, Perry explains
Lane 7 – the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling and gaming that Nuveen drew their inspiration from Edinburgh’s first new town
operator – and will soon add the city’s first boutique, five-screen plan in the Georgian era. It was essential to them that the design
Everyman cinema. echoed the history of the World Heritage site, while also adding to its
The new development completes the shopping circuit in notability. Elements of the scheme therefore also drew architectural
Edinburgh. The creation of a covered three-level galleria, open to the inspiration from further afield, including the Far and Middle East.
surrounding streetscape will help drive footfall and encourage visitors The scheme is part of the capital’s inspiration story of growth,
to circulate within Edinburgh as a whole. There is also a gastronomy enterprise and innovation. Perry and the team at Nuveen believe in
and entertainment spine running through the scheme and connecting Edinburgh, and they are excited to help lead the way as part of the
the current future entertainment and restaurant spaces in the city. city’s wider economic recovery post-pandemic.
Nuveen aimed to differentiate St James Quarter by tapping into “St James Quarter has been designed with the opportunity to
Edinburgh’s culture. The project expands the entertainment and evolve and become its own community set within the wonderful city
festive heart of the city, while reinforcing Edinburgh’s status as a of Edinburgh. As such, flexibility has been a priority to enable uses
premier shopping destination and global centre of gastronomy, and experiences to be added and changed over time. It recognises
entertainment and experience. that in the world in which we all now live, the ability to change, and
“Prior to the global pandemic, we had largely established the key change quickly, is important and much of the project allows for this,”
anchor tenants and a critical mass of supporting occupiers. says Perry.
www.stjamesquarter.com