The first phase of plans to re-open the iconic Edinburgh Filmhouse after its sad closure last year have been launched which would see a large banner erected on the scaffolding around the site.
The building on Lothian Road is set to undergo rigorous internal and external works throughout the rest of the year and into 2024 with an application lodged which would see an 'illuminated' mesh weave banner erected on a scaffold.
According to the applicant, it would be in place for eight months, with the scaffolding required for the duration of the development works to enable them to be carried out safely.
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The iconic filmhouse ceased trading with immediate effect on October 6, 2022, and one month later was put up for sale for over £2.6million with talks currently underway to determine the future of the building.
It has been widely reported that it could operate as a bar and restaurant, although we reported how the filmhouse was stripped of its license to sell alcohol in January, sparking fears that it would be turned into flats.
The filmhouse now belongs to Caledonian Heritable who also own The Dome, Ryan's Bar and the Theatre Royal. They have written to the council to express a desire to carry out work on the building which could last until January 2024.
A planning report presented on behalf of Caledonian Heritable states: "The application site was formerly used as a film screening venue which has now closed. The current development by the new owner is intended to bring the property back into operation commercially.
"The owners are undertaking like for like exterior refurbishment of the property. The site is located within an area of mixed use, including commercial, residential, tourism and cultural uses. The property is category B listed, situated in the West End Conservation area and World Heritage site."
A mock-up image of the proposed scaffolding and banner in question shows how the site would look, with the words: "The Film House, Lothian Road, Edinburgh," although the design could differ throughout stages of the development, with the dimensions remaining the same.
The plans can be viewed by the public on the City of Edinburgh Council's planning portal here.
