Developers propose partial demolition of Edinburgh's Summerhall for mixed-use housing

AMA (New Town) Limited has put forward a scheme to partially demolish the Summerhall arts hub in Edinburgh, a venue that hosts a pub, artist studios and many small businesses and is a staple of the Fringe Festival. The proposal, described as a "partial selective demolition," would see parts of the seven-building site replaced by a hotel, apartments, student housing, offices and shops, while retaining a designated "arts quarter" for cultural activities.

Managing director Ali Afshar emphasized that the development aims to safeguard Summerhall's cultural role, improve site accessibility and secure long-term viability through investment. The developers secured the site from Oesselmann Estate Limited in April last year and have faced criticism for not confirming the venue's future as a Fringe location. A public consultation will open later this week, and the final planning application is slated for the start of 2027. The plan has raised concerns among more than 100 artists and creative businesses currently based at Summerhall and nearby St Margaret’s House.