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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
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David McLean

Edinburgh workmen uncover incredible hidden windows during Jenners revamp

Original ornate windows dating from the 1890s have been uncovered by workers refurbishing the former Jenners department store.

The elaborately-detailed features had been hidden behind modern retail fittings for decades, but will now be restored to their former glory as work restoring the iconic capital department store gathers pace.

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Reminiscent of a bygone era, the stylish windows are situated on the ground floor of the building, and feature beautiful stained glass and stained wood surrounds.

An image showing the windows appears alongside a host of other official planning documents viewable on the City of Edinburgh Council's planning portal, and offers fresh hope that the spirit of Jenners is alive and well, despite its closure as a department store after almost two centuries in business.

A string of artist's impressions were made publicly available last week, with the team behind the project keen to show that they mean business.

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In particular, the proposed refurbishment and transformation of the former department store's main hall - dubbed by project officials as "the grand saloon", have caused a real stir among locals.

Plans include opening a new department store in the building, as well as incorporating a boutique hotel, a cafe, and a bar and restaurant.

A new rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Princes Street and the Old Town is also being planned.

The works are expected to take around four years to complete.

Speaking last week, AAA United director Anders Krogh, revealed considerable effort is being made to "preserve the DNA" of the A-listed Jenners building.

He said: "When we acquired the Jenners building, we knew that it came with a great deal of responsibility. It is iconic within Edinburgh’s built environment and integral to the city’s cultural heritage.

"We approach this renovation with upmost respect for the historic importance and value placed upon the building by the people of Edinburgh.

"We understand the scale of the challenge and are fully dedicated to honouring this building and its place within the future of Edinburgh."

Krogh continued: "The original Jenners building will always stay and is the very DNA of our plans, with the redevelopment of a vibrant, sustainable and accessible department store being the heart of the project.

"Our major focus is to bring back a fully refurbished department store, supplemented by a food and beverage and hospitality offering.

"The grand saloon always was and will remain the primary feature of the building, situated at the centre of the department store and open for the people of Edinburgh and visitors alike to experience.

"The boutique hotel will occupy the upper levels of the building, much of which has been unused for decades."

The 130-year-old Jenners building, which closed its doors in early 2021, was bought by Danish billionnaire Anders Holch Povlsen for £53m from the Fraser group five years ago.

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