[Kenspeckle]

Full planning applications submitted for the conversion of Donaldson's College and the new-build residential blocks.

15/03781/LBC | Internal alterations and subdivision to the listed Playfair building to create residential dwellings. Alterations to light wells and roofs, including the creation of a number of dormers and roof terraces and ancillary works. | Donaldsons College 1B West Coates Edinburgh EH12 5JQ

15/03780/FUL | Planning permission for conversion of existing A listed Playfair building into residential dwellings to include internal and external alterations, erection of new-build dwellings to north of site and construction of associated parking and landscaping including ancillary works. | Donaldsons College 1B West Coates Edinburgh EH12 5JQ


Planning application recently approved for residential conversion of the gate lodges into individual dwellings.

15/02641/LBC | Demolition a single storey flat roof extension to the rear of each of East + West Lodges replacing with extension of same footprint. Form new pitched slate roof over re-constructed extension which would abut newly constructed stone gable wall to West boundary. New slate roof to contain habitable room. | Donaldsons College 1B West Coates Edinburgh EH12 5JQ


The William Playfair-designed A-listed former orphan hospital will house 117 luxury flats in a conversion scheme by Richard Murphy Architects.

Two new-build residential blocks to the north, also by Richard Murphy Architects, will contain 84 homes.

Buildings at Risk Register BARR

Quadrangular Elizabethan orphan hospital complex comprising 2-storey ranges between 4-storey square-plan corner towers with angle turrets; additional, central tower to front elevation; octagonal turrets to centre of courtyard elevations; chapel projecting to centre of rear elevation; balustrades and flights of steps to terraces at S, E and W elevations; pair of lodges to West Coates, with boundary wall, piers, railings, gate piers and gates to street. Coursed, polished sandstone ashlar (Binny stone from Bathgate) with polished dressings. Base course; corniced string course between each floor; band of rosettes beneath heavily-projecting cornice; buckle quoins to all exterior angle turrets; window jambs chamfered throughout. Small-pane timber sash and case glazing throughout. Grey slate roof; tall octagonal cans with bevelled faces, heavily moulded at top; cast-iron rainwater goods to rear elevation and to courtyard ranges.

Donaldson's Hospital was the bequest of James Donaldson Esq. of Broughton Hall. In his Will it was stated that: "I leave all my property, heritable and personal, .. to build and found an Hospital for Boys and Girls, to be called Donaldson's Hospital", it was to follow "the plan of the Orphan Hospital and George Watson's Hospital". The school was to be co-educational, admitting 200 boys, who would be trained as "traders", and 200 girls, to be trained as "house servants". When Donaldson died, on 19th October 1830, he left a sum of '210,000 for the School's Trust. Immediately, William Burn approached the Trustees to convey his interest in the project and to remind them of his credentials. However, the Trustees decided to hold a competition for the job and invited William Henry Playfair, Thomas Hamilton and James Gillespie Graham to make designs. This initial invitation was sent on 19th November 1833 but it was not until 31 July 1838 that Playfair was declared the winner; he had submitted a total of 7 different designs to the Trustess. The contractors for the job were Young and Trench, they began their work on site in 1842. The work progressed very slowly, and in 1850 it was opened by Queen Victoria, who was impressed by what she saw. Cockburn described her visit, recording: "The Queen went over his [Playfair's] hospital ... admiring everything". It has even been rumoured that so impressed were Victoria and Albert that they suggested exchanging Holyrood Palace for Donaldson's Hospital. Indeed, R L Stevenson noted that "it has more the appearance of a Royal palace than a building for the reception of children...whose parents are in the humbler walks of life". 9 years after building work had begun, and almost 20 years since the architectural competition, the school was finally able to admit its first pupils in 1851.

Parts of the original imitative oak and ashlar decorative scheme by the leading Edinburgh decorator, D R Hay, survive, as do the furnishings for the Council Room by the joiner Scott. The original Deaf and Dumb Institute (J Gillespie Graham, 1823) was in Henderson Row (now Donaldson Building, Edinburgh Academy). (Historic Scotland)

 

[Kenspeckle]

Donaldson’s College residential conversion back on track

Urban Realm - 26th August, 2015

Long stalled plans for the conversion of William Playfair’s A-listed Donaldson’s College to residential use have been rekindled with the submission of plans by City & Country to insert 117 apartments within the historic fabric and remodel two gate houses into standalone homes.

This will see external elevations restored to their original condition with removal of steel entrance ramps, security grilles and surface mounted services with repair works carried out as necessary.

A crescent of new build properties overseen by CALA Homes will take shape to the north of the main college building, replacing a mishmash of ancillary structures to create a new ‘formal’ setting.

In their design statement Richard Murphy Architects wrote: “In the proposed scheme, the few remaining ancillary buildings are removed and the north site provided with a new ‘formal’ crescent building. As before, the crescent is arranged symmetrically around the Playfair Building, and broken at its midpoint, acknowledging the siting of the chapel of the Playfair Building. A formal lawn is provided between new and old, providing a new ‘clean’ setting to the Playfair building to its north face.”

Ground floor flats will have access to private sunken terrace gardens whilst penthouse flats will open out onto a private roof terrace.

 

[Kenspeckle]

Transformation of Donaldson’s into housing revealed

Edinburgh Evening News - 1st September, 2015

Dramatic new images have been unveiled showcasing the planned redevelopment of Donaldson’s School into luxury apartments.

The ambitious proposals would see the historic structure restored, plus the creation of a housing crescent overlooking the West Coates site – complete with stunning views of the William Playfair-designed school building.

Developers are now keen to press ahead with work on the complex, which has been empty for around eight years.

A planning application by restoration specialists City & Country would transform the A-listed building into 117 residential homes, while also converting two gatehouses.

Meanwhile, Cala Homes is seeking to create a split crescent of 84 new-build apartments to the north of the Gothic building, which is one of the city’s most recognisable pieces of architecture.

Both have insisted the latest bid to redevelop the site will show greater respect to the building and its surroundings than previous failed attempts, protecting many of Donaldson’s original features such as fireplaces, cornices and staircases.

Helen Moore, managing 
director of City & Country, said it was “vitally important” that a viable new use was found for the structure.

She said: “This is a truly magnificent building in a World Heritage Site, so it is absolutely right that such time and effort has gone into the public consultation.

“Having listened carefully to extensive feedback we are confident that our plans provide the best possible solution to safeguard the iconic Playfair building, while sensitively adding a new layer of history to the site. After much work, we hope our plans will be approved, allowing the next positive chapter in the life of the Playfair building and for the Donaldson’s site to be realised.”

Designed and built by city architect William Playfair in 1850, Donaldson’s housed a specialist school for deaf children until 2008, when the school was relocated to Linlithgow.

Under the new plans, every floor of the building will be turned into one, two or three-bed apartments, including the basement and attic, with all the new properties boasting panoramic views of the 
Donaldson’s building and its 17-acre grounds.

David McGrath, Managing Director of Cala Homes (East) said: “Throughout the process we have liaised closely with planners and with other departments.

“It has been reassuring that they have been so committed to seeing this site restored. We are excited to be submitting our final plans after a detailed and lengthy process. Now we look forward to the chance to deliver what would be a truly outstanding addition to a very special location.”

The plans will go before councillors later this year.

 

[Kenspeckle]

John McLellan: Donaldson's 'Banana Flats' plan

Edinburgh Evening News - 4th September, 2015

The team behind the plans to convert Donaldson’s School into 200 homes are confident they will not face the same intensity of opposition as faced the Craighouse and Edinburgh Accies plans.

And maybe unveiling the plans for a crescent of 84 flats around the Playfair landmark in the same week as the revised Royal High School scheme was revealed means conservation attention will be elsewhere.

The front of Cala Homes’ curved terrace behind the old building looks not too dissimilar to the much-derided Banana Flats in Leith (which I actually quite like) so I’m not so sure they will get off as lightly as its advisers hope even though local concern is so far said to be minimal.

Like Edinburgh Accies, opposition will rest on the attitude of people living nearby, on Magdala Crescent and Wester Coates Gardens, but the developers do have some advantages, however.

Firstly, it has never been regarded as a public park in the same way as the Craighouse grounds and secondly the back might overlook the Water of Leith but not any houses.

There will be those who will mount the same arguments as at Craighouse – that there should be an alternative development which doesn’t need any new buildings, and look at all the hotel operators falling over themselves to come here – but the result is likely to be similar.

The sale of the site to fund the new deaf school in Linlithgow just as the property market crashed nearly broke Cala Homes and while the listed building regulations must be met, it is a purely commercial project whether the anti-development lobby likes it or not. All the community use, not-for-profit, all-affordable arguments used in the trenches of previous planning wrangles will founder.

But like the original Craighouse plan and the first Royal High hotel images, the designs revealed this week are a first pass and a considerable amount of revision might be needed before it gets through the planning process.

 

[belle]

Not sure McLellan's got it right. Development is so well established for this site that opposition would be futile. Then again the usual crowd aren't deterred by futility...

Not sure I get the Banana Flats comparison, it's typical Murphy but with a more glassy cliff face. Some of the Lost Edinburgh comments on this were rabid, mostly indicating how people struggle to understand the images.

The Chapel conversion seems a bit of a missed opportunity, pretty uninspring floor plans.

 

[Jalbo]

Always felt a bit sad this place didn't end up a museum, or with some other public use.

 

[Moschops]

BBC News, 16 December

Green light for flats at former Donaldson's School for the Deaf in Edinburgh

Planning permission has been approved for the redevelopment of a former school for the deaf in Edinburgh.

The Grade A listed former home of the Donaldson's School for the Deaf, by Sir William Playfair, is to be restored and converted into 115 flats.

The permission also allows for 84 newly built homes in the grounds.

There will also be an underground car park with 364 residents spaces and 26 visitor spots. City & Country will convert the 1851 building.

CALA Evans will build the two and three bedroom homes, designed in a crescent shape to the rear of the Playfair building.

The south lawn that faces Wester Coates will be kept as an open, landscaped area.

Helen Moore, managing director of City & Country, said: "City & Country has a long and distinguished history working with incredibly inspiring and challenging architectural assets and the Playfair building is no different, sitting amongst some of the very finest buildings in the UK.

"The apartments will be carefully woven into the historic fabric of the building to provide genuinely unique places for people to live.

"Sited within the Edinburgh World Heritage Site, we are pleased that our plans demonstrate the ambitions we have to breathe new life into this icon of Scottish architecture and we cannot wait to get started."

 

[The_Boy]

Not sure I get the Banana Flats comparison, it's typical Murphy but with a more glassy cliff face. Some of the Lost Edinburgh comments on this were rabid, mostly indicating how people struggle to understand the images.

I do. i really, really do. In fact it also brings to mind the sort of architecture seen on school buildings from the 1960s. None of which is a bad thing, imo.

I take it the proposed cyclepath through the development has been dropped though?

 

[Kenspeckle]

I take it the proposed cyclepath through the development has been dropped though?

Unfortunately yes, it has been dropped. I believe it would have required some land on the boundary not owned by the developer or CEC, though I'd have thought that's what compulsory purchase orders are for.

 

[Kenspeckle]

Richard Murphy Architects have released a few new renders showing the interiors of the new-build flats.

 

[Kenspeckle]

Application granted for the residential conversion of the Playfair building. No determination yet on the new-build development, though this was minded to grant by the Development Management Sub-Committee last month.

 

[Kenspeckle]

Update on the two phases of development from Richard Murphy Architects:

DONALDSON'S FORMER DEAF SCHOOL, EDINBURGH

Our project for City & Country at Donaldson’s Deaf School, Edinburgh is progressing well. Works to form the first phase of the 110 apartments that occupy the main building are well underway with mezzanine floors and internal dividing walls being installed. The voids that will eventually accept the new/modern communal stairs that rise through the building on three of the four corners are also being formed.

The concrete phase of the works to form the two 94 space subterranean car parks that sit under the morning and afternoon gardens to the east and west sides of the Playfair building is almost complete with the links to the existing building being the last sections to be formed.

Apartments are expected to be released for sale in Summer 2017.

NEW HOUSING AT DONALDSON’S FORMER DEAF SCHOOL, EDINBURGH

Bam Construction have also been appointed as Main Contractor for the Shell and Core Contact of our new build development for Cala Homes within the grounds of Donaldson’s College. Construction work is now planned to start in January 2017.

 

[Kenspeckle]

 

[Kenspeckle]

Work underway at ‘landmark’ development in Donaldson’s grounds

Scottish Construction Now - 2nd June 2017

CALA Homes has started work on a new development in Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site.

A crescent of glass-fronted residences will be created in the grounds of the Donaldson’s College.

The housebuilder said the project will bring to life the vision of architect Richard Murphy OBE. His design for The Crescent will complement the restoration of the neighbouring Category A-listed Playfair building.

David McGrath, managing director of CALA Homes (East), said: “It is a privilege to be involved in this project, so we are delighted that work has now started on the site.

“It is rare enough to earn the chance to create new homes in a World Heritage Site – let alone to be working in a location as special as Edinburgh’s renowned Donaldson’s site. This promises to be a one-of-a-kind development and one that we are extremely proud and excited to be part of.”

The historic and turreted Playfair building is one of the most recognisable in Edinburgh and was most recently home to Donaldson’s School for the Deaf. However rising costs saw the school move to a purpose-built new campus in Linlithgow, West Lothian in 2008.

Thereafter the site, purchased by CALA Homes, was mothballed for a number of years, to take account of the economic downturn. During that period the plans to restore the building and transform the wider location was painstakingly drawn up and approved, including extensive consultation with the local community and heritage groups.

That saw CALA partner with heritage restoration specialists City & Country, which took on the conversion of the 1851 William Playfair building into a variety of apartments, a process which started in 2016.

Meanwhile, CALA progressed with its plans to create The Crescent at Donaldson’s, a sweeping collection of new apartments to the secluded north of the listed building. It is the work on that impressive new element of the site which has now started.

The first stage of the construction involves a significant excavation, which will create the underground parking, part of the design intended to keep the site as free from cars as possible once it is completed and landscaped.

Following this, construction will commence on the westernmost half of the split crescent, to create a stylish, glass-fronted building which cleverly takes a host of design cues – including its height and form – from the finest buildings in Edinburgh’s celebrated Georgian New Town.

The crescent form of the design itself has also been carefully considered to connect the site with a prominent feature of Georgian architecture, while perfectly complementing and interplaying with the Playfair building. Several examples of Georgian crescents exist in Edinburgh’s New Town.

The homes in The Crescent will include garden flats, duplexes and penthouses.

David McGrath added: “Everything about this project makes it so special. The architects have pulled a masterstroke in coming up with designs which are stylish and modern, yet also pay a respectful homage to the World Heritage site.

“While CALA is already known as Scotland’s foremost developer of upmarket family homes, this is the latest site where we have shown we do so much more. We regularly take on projects that challenge our team to deliver complex engineering and design solutions. This leads to CALA being able to take on a wide variety of developments in and out of the city.

“The Crescent at Donaldson’s is the culmination of years of painstaking work ensure a development which is dynamic and new, yet also fitting and appropriate for such a location.

“Starting the construction process is a huge milestone and we hope The Crescent will become a landmark in its own right for decades to come.”

 

[Kenspeckle]

First look at landmark Donaldson's school lavish flat revamp

Edinburgh Evening News - 6th July 2017

Left to rot for over a decade, the caverns of the former Donaldson’s School for the Deaf are being painstakingly transformed into luxury flats.

A team of specialist tradesmen have been working on the iconic building, built between 1842 and 1851 by Edinburgh’s pre-eminent architect William Henry Playfair, with the first phase of flats to be put on sale in the autumn.

The building has been vacant since the school moved in 2008 and despite repeated attempts to bring it back into use, developers failed to convert its decaying bricks and mortar into homes.

A significant level of dry rot had set in which restoration experts City and Country, who took over the development in 2014, had to eradicate before starting the £53 million renovation.

After completion, the building – built with money bequeathed by James Donaldson, to build and found a hospital for children after his death – will house 112 homes with a mixture of studio flats and one, two and three beds.

Work has also been completed below the surface following construction of two underground car parks on the east and west sides of the building.

“Once vacant, major historic buildings such as Donaldson’s deteriorate extremely quickly, so our first priority is to ensure the building is watertight and protected, as well as undertaking surveys to ensure the structure and stability of the building is sound,” explained City and Country managing director Helen Moore.

“At Donaldson’s we discovered the worst case of dry rot that City & Country had ever come across – and we’ve worked with a lot of very old buildings!

“We discovered the cause of the rot was old drain pipes that had been left in situ.

“They had been slowly leaking water into the building’s structure for decades and the problem had damaged the structure significantly, so we had to act quickly to stop it spreading any further.”

Apartments at Donaldson’s will retain a mix of original features such as large historic windows, fireplaces and cornices, alongside contemporary features.

Ms Moore added: “Our clever internal design makes best use of the fabric of the building, allowing us to create some unique living spaces that maximise the building’s outstanding original features with a contemporary twist including sleek, handleless kitchens combined with luxurious bathrooms that have all the mod-cons expected of high-quality modern living.”

Structural works are underway, including the introduction of internal steel frames that will form mezzanine floors and reinforce existing floors. Roof alterations, masonry repairs and repairs to the 900 windows will also combine with finishes to the western gate house, western drive access and landscaping to the front lawns, verges, terraces and tree lines.


Read more at: http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.c...chool-transformed-into-luxury-flats-1-4496453

 

[Kenspeckle]

Construction Partner Confirmed for The Crescent at Donaldson’s

SBNN - 10th July 2017

BAM Construction has been appointed as lead contractor for a landmark development within Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site.

Following the signing of a contract worth more than £30 million, BAM Construction will deliver the main shell and core structure of The Crescent by CALA Homes, a sweeping curve of 84 glass-fronted, contemporary new residences set within one of the Scottish capital’s most iconic locations.

CALA’s own team will carry out the fit out of the apartments.

Also responsible for constructing Dundee’s V&A Museum of Design, BAM will progress work at the site which is set within the grounds of historic Donaldson’s College, renowned for the A-Listed Playfair building.

The entire development, worth more than £90 million, is among the most ambitious projects undertaken by CALA and will see the firm bring to life its vision for one of the most important sites in Scotland.

David McGrath, Managing Director of CALA Homes (East) said: “This has been a major focus of ours for the past few years and we fully understand the responsibilities of developing within the World Heritage Site.

“In BAM, we are confident that we have a construction partner with the credentials and expertise to match our own high standards in delivering such an ambitious project.

“It is incredibly important to us that our partners understand the importance of this site and work with neighbours to minimise disruption as far as possible. BAM has proven that it shares these values.

“This promises to be a one-of- a-kind development that we are extremely proud to be part of. This appointment is the next step in realising the final, exciting design.”

Bruce Dickson, Regional Director of BAM Construction, said: “CALA Homes is recognised as the pre-eminent developer of upmarket homes in Scotland.

“We are thrilled to be involved in such an ambitious project here at The Crescent. CALA Homes have brought BAM on board for our expertise in delivering major complex construction projects.

“It's fair to say that this project has some challenges, but we've already been working in partnership together for over a year to resolve the majority of these before we put a shovel in the ground.

“Both of our teams are completely committed to delivering this really exciting project and its one that, once completed, will definitely be an impressive addition to Edinburgh's architectural legacy. Preparatory work, also carried out by BAM Construction, started in May 2017 and involved a significant excavation to create the underground parking, part of the design intended to keep the site as free from cars as possible once it is completed and landscaped.”

 

[Kenspeckle]

Demand soars for luxury flats at former Donaldson’s school

Edinburgh Evening News - 10th August 2017

Developers have reported a huge demand for luxury new flats in the much anticipated Donaldson’s School for the Deaf redevelopment, with an “exceptional” level of interest.

Property experts Rettie & Co, who are handling sales, have received more than 1,500 notes of interest for the homes at the category A listed former school.

The £53 million development of the historic Haymarket building into 112 one to three-bedroom apartments will be completed in phases, with buyers able to bid for a flat at the launch this autumn.

Simon Rettie, managing director of Rettie & Co, said the interest so far had been “exceptional”.

“We expect the number of interested parties to continue to climb as we progress towards the sales launch in autumn this year,” he said.

“Donaldson’s is such a high profile building within Edinburgh and forms an important part of its history.

“We are delighted to work with [renovators] City & Country on this remarkable project and are confident that an exceptional addition to the city will be created.”

Mr Rettie confirmed the imminent unveiling of two show homes to give potential buyers a flavour of the “brilliant way City & Country has made use of the space”.

Built between 1842 and 1851 after its benefactor and local newspaper publisher James Donaldson bequeathed all of his wealth to build and found a hospital for children after his death.

It was designed by renowned architect William Henry Playfair, whose other famous works include the National Monument and the National Gallery of Scotland.

City & Country sales and marketing directory Suzanne Aplin said: “The Playfair apartments at Donaldson’s have many historic and stylish features such as original Gothic style windows, generous ceiling heights, original woodwork panelling and historic cornices, alongside contemporary features such as sleek kitchens, luxurious bathrooms and an interior design scheme created to maximise the beauty of each apartment.

“Our clever use of space throughout the building makes the best use of the historic fabric, creating many unique living spaces ranging from studios, mezzanine apartments, split-level, loft and penthouse accommodation in a wide variety of sizes.”

Studio and one bedroom apartments start from £250,000, with two bedrooms priced at £450,000 and three bedrooms starting from £750,000.

Rettie and Co’s Nick Watson believes the building’s important role in the city’s history and quality finishes make it a unique opportunity for Edinburgh house-hunters. He added: “To own a property at Donaldson’s will be a truly unique experience. The outstanding features of the building have been enhanced to the highest possible standard with each apartment carefully and thoughtfully designed to maximise the potential of every space.

“The high quality specification will complement the magnificent building as well as particular attention having been paid to ensuring the common areas are some of the best seen in the city.”


Read more at: http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.c...-flats-at-former-donaldson-s-school-1-4527794

 

[Kenspeckle]

Donaldson’s development boosted by £14.2m loan facility

Scottish Construction Now - 24th August 2017

The transformation of the former Donaldson’s School for the Deaf site in Edinburgh has been supported by a £14.2 million package from Royal Bank of Scotland.

City & Country (Edinburgh) Limited, a joint venture between UK and European Investments Limited and City & Country, will use the funding to progress the first two phases the building’s conversion into 110 apartments in the iconic Playfair building together with two gate lodges.

Located in Edinburgh’s West End and surrounded by 18 acres of elegant grounds, the building was originally constructed in the 1840s by renowned architect, William Henry Playfair and is now a Category-A listed property.

Playfair is considered one of the greatest architects of the 19th century, designer of the capital’s neo-classical landmarks in the New Town, helping it earn the moniker ‘Athens of the North’.

It was formally a specialist school for deaf children which has subsequently been relocated to Linlithgow in 2008.

The one, two and three-bed apartments are designed to create interesting contemporary interiors with fantastic panoramic views across Edinburgh, overlooking an attractive internal courtyard with sweeping lawns leading to period gate lodges.

Helen Moore, managing director of City & Country, said: “This is a major development in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End, which is set to become one of the most sought-after addressees the Capital has on offer. After having lain empty for so many years, it is wonderful to see this iconic building being brought back into beneficial use, for both current and future generations to enjoy.

“Many jobs and considerable investment have been made into the local economy and City & Country (Edinburgh) Limited would like to thank Royal Bank of Scotland for its support in bringing this project to fruition.”

Royal Bank of Scotland relationship manager, Robert Fardon, said: “When City & Country (Edinburgh) Limited showed us the plans we immediately knew this was going to be an exciting project to be part of. It underlines our commitment to major residential projects across Scotland and we’re honoured to be playing a role in its restoration and conversion.”

 

[Pilrig Pilgrim]

I think they meant it was formerly a specialist school for the deaf. No comment on the rest of the marketing hyperbole.

 

[Kenspeckle]

Exclusive first look at interiors of new Donaldson’s flats | Edinburgh Evening News - 27/09/17