(Image: Cat Thomson Photography)
The chief executive of Summerhall Arts has urged developers to “repair, not demolish” parts of the prominent arts and culture hub earmarked for redevelopment.
Plans unveiled last week by Edinburgh-based developer AMA call for the demolition of several buildings at the Summerhall site, arguing that they are no longer fit for purpose and must be replaced.
In response, Summerhall Arts CEO Sam Gough has called on AMA to act with caution.
“We are encouraging all those who love Summerhall and its spaces to contribute to the consultation, to help the developers understand how important they are to what makes this already thriving arts centre what it is,” he said.
“At the moment, I have not seen anything that demonstrates this.
Option 1 - one of the proposals for the future of Summerhall. Block C and Block B could be demolished. (Image: AMA)
“So many of the beautiful, special parts of Summerhall, such as the historic Anatomy Lecture Theatre, the unique Dissection Room, Tech Cube 0 and the ever-so-wonderful Royal Dick pub, are earmarked for demolition,” he noted.
“Edinburgh’s name as the world’s festival city rests partly on places like Summerhall. Developers, like arts organisations, are remembered for what they leave behind, and I would much rather AMA be remembered as the owner who protected it.”
Mr Gough added: “While our intention is to remain here and work with AMA to continue the provision of arts within Summerhall, the future space needs to be viable, and we are hopeful that the plans will provide that.”
Original owner Robert McDowell purchased the complex, formerly home to the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, from the University of Edinburgh for £4m in 2011.
The building was subsequently sold to AMA in 2024 for an undisclosed sum.
According to a pre-application public consultation for the site, some buildings on the site, namely Block B (the University of Edinburgh’s former animal research lab) and Block C (the northern extension of the original veterinary school building) could be demolished to make room for a hotel and apartments.
AMA states: “An important conclusion concerns the structural and fabric problems associated with the 1930s-40s blocks (mainly Block C) and the 1960s-70s blocks (Blocks B and D).
“The flaws in the floor construction of Block C, and in the frame and giant-panelled envelope of Block B are very difficult to surmount. In addition, severe limitations in existing life-safety provision and plan configuration in Blocks B, C and the northern part of Block F1 , curtail potential conversions to new uses.
“Leaving the problematic blocks as they are while they continue to deteriorate is not a sustainable solution. They do not generate enough income to maintain them properly.”
However, Summerhall Arts says that the plans “appear to earmark some of Summerhall’s most distinctive spaces for demolition”.
“They are integral to Summerhall’s identity, character and cultural offer,” the arts charity said.
“Their loss would have implications for the arts activity that takes place across the site and for the wider experience of artists, community and audiences.
The unique anatomy lecture theatre could be lost, Sam Gough warned. (Image: Summerhall Arts)
“We believe the potential for repair, renovation and continued cultural use deserves serious consideration as part of the search for a viable long-term solution.”
AMA’s managing director Ali Afshar has insisted that arts and culture provision “will remain at the heart” of Summerhall and that the site is "an important part of Edinburgh’s cultural life".
A spokesperson for the firm added: "Our proposals seek to restore and enhance the site, creating a reimagined arts centre with galleries, performance spaces and studios, alongside complementary uses that can help fund the investment needed to secure Summerhall's long-term future.
"We understand that the building's distinctive spaces are integral to its cultural identity, and we were encouraged by the constructive conversations at our recent consultation event.
Read more:
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"However, parts of the site are in a poor state of repair and face significant challenges in terms of their condition and structural integrity."
The spokesperson added: "Meaningful investment and redevelopment are needed to bring Summerhall back to its full potential and ensure it remains a sustainable home for arts and culture.
"We welcome the opportunity to work closely with Summerhall Arts over the coming weeks to explore how arts and cultural activity can continue to thrive as part of our vision for the site.
"Our consultation is an important opportunity for the public to share their views and help inform the proposals as they develop. We encourage everyone with an interest in Summerhall to take part and contribute to shaping a sustainable future for this important cultural destination."
The current consultation, which runs until October 23, will help AMA develop its proposals ahead of a formal planning application being submitted to the council early next year.
Feedback, which can be provided online, will be incorporated into a Pre-Application Consultation (‘PAC’) report submitted alongside the planning application.