St James Quarter – Page 10 – The NEN

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2021: A Fringe that will go down in history and help guide our future

After an extraordinary 25 days, the 2021 Edinburgh Festival Fringe has drawn to a close, having brought artists, arts industry, media and audiences together once again to celebrate the magic of live performance.

This year, the Fringe looked very different. For the first time, audiences were able to engage with work both online and in-person, with performers, creators and producers embracing new ways to keep performance in our hearts and minds.

Shows happened in car parks, racecourses, tents and forests. There were brave new works-in-progress; exciting revivals; reimagined classics; solo shows; family-friendly shows; international showcases; sketch shows; interactive digital works; outdoor site-specific shows; walking tours; immersive experiences and late-night, mixed-bill, laugh-a-minute shows.

Some performers took the stage for the first time in 18 months, while others used the festival as a way of reconnecting with fellow artists and industry professionals.

There was support for arts professionals in new ways – with Fringe Connect offering a professional development, workshop and networking space for artists and industry, and Fringe Marketplace providing a digital platform to showcase export ready professional work from across the Fringe to delegates from around the world.

Our Street Events programme looked different, but was just as joy-filled as always, with everything from magic to live music happening in safe, managed locations from West Parliament Square to the Mound.

Street performers also went into communities across Edinburgh, while the Fringe Society worked with over 30 charities and community groups to distribute Fringe vouchers and Lothian bus tickets to give people the opportunity to experience the Fringe either in person or online.

The Fringe Society continued its commitment to accessibility. There was BSL interpretation of the street events at West Parliament Square, and a bespoke access bookings service on offer for customers who require it.

This Fringe was also a big step forward for sustainability. More performers marketed their shows digitally, through QR codes, social media and more. Our online strand meant less travel and a reduced carbon footprint for some participating artists, audiences and industry, extending our global reach even further.

We also strengthened the Fringe’s place in our local community. This year, over a third of audiences were from Edinburgh, and a further 17% were from the rest of Scotland. 44% were from the wider United Kingdom. Artists and creatives local to Scotland also added their stories to stages and screens in greater proportions than we have seen in recent years.

But that didn’t happen at the expense of the festival’s founding open access principle. 38 countries were represented on the Fringe this year, with work from nine countries featured as part of international showcases taking place. There was also increased international representation in proportion to the overall programme.

Commenting on this year’s festival, Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “Traditionally, this day in the Fringe calendar is all about statistics: how many shows took place, how many tickets were bought, and what that means.

“But this year, I’d like to stop defining success by scale. For me, that’s never been what makes the Fringe special. Success should be defined by the quality of experience we’ve all had – and what we’re hearing from performers and audiences alike is that this year’s Fringe has been hugely successful indeed.

“When registration opened in May, we had no way of knowing for sure what this summer would look like. Today, we celebrate every single show that has been brought to life. I’d like to personally thank and congratulate everyone that made it happen, as well as our audiences, sponsors and supporters who have cheered us on and offered much-needed support through this wild and unexpected year.

“We’ve still got work to do to ensure the Fringe recovers – but recovery isn’t about growth in the statistical sense. It’s about growth as a Fringe community. As we move forward with our Save the Fringe campaign and continue to champion this festival and the wider arts, we’ll be calling on everyone to help us shape what the future of this fantastic festival holds.”

Benny Higgins, Chair, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “I’d like to offer huge congratulations to everyone that made this festival happen in the most challenging of circumstances.

“I’ve been blown away by the commitment, creativity and talent of those that have worked tirelessly to bring the magic of the Fringe back to Edinburgh’s streets – and for the first time – to screens around the world.

“As we look to the Fringe’s 75th anniversary in 2022, I am looking forward to being part of a wider conversation about how we make this festival the very best version of itself. This year proved that a small amount of public sector investment can bring about positive change, and it’s crucial that investment in this hugely important festival continues. The Fringe has a big role to play in our recovery, and as we look to build a renaissance for the Fringe in the future, we’ll keep working to support those that make it happen.”

Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: “It’s been a fantastic month, seeing the phased return of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and seeing Edinburgh locals and visitors get to enjoy what Edinburgh does best.

“As official whisky of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Johnnie Walker has celebrated the month with our residence ‘The Fringe Club’ on The Mound throughout the festival and gifting lucky festival-goers with exclusive prizes. We’ve our eyes firmly on the future, opening our doors to Johnnie Walker Princes Street on 6 September and joining in the celebrations once again in 2022.”

Next year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe will run from 05 – 29 August 2022. It will mark the 75th anniversary of the festival.

SPONSORS and SUPPORTERS

As a charity, the work of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society would not be possible without the valuable support of our partners, sponsors and funders.

We are delighted to be working with Johnnie Walker for the third year running as our official whisky partner.

We are proud to be partnering with the newly opened St James Quarter and are excited to be working with them this year and beyond.

We are excited to be partnering with Crowdfunder again through our FringeMakers fundraising platform, supporting Fringe artists and venues with vital fundraising efforts.

We have teamed up with Rare Birds Books to a create a limited-edition book bundle with books selected by the women behind three of the Fringe’s most iconic venues; Rowan Campbell, the General Manager of Summerhall, Dani Rae, the General Manager of Assembly and Katy Koren, who co-runs Gilded Balloon. Proceeds of the sale of this bundle will support go directly to supporting Fringe artists bring work to the Fringe.

We would also like to thank Lothian Buses for their continued support of our Fringe Days Out programme.

We’re thrilled to welcome Edinburgh Gin on board as Official Gin of the Fringe and look forward to working with them.

We are grateful for funding through the PLACE Programme, a partnership between the Scottish Government -through Creative Scotland -the City of Edinburgh Council and Festivals Edinburgh; Scottish Government for Made in Scotland through the Festivals Expo Fund – managed through Creative Scotland – and the continued support of the City of Edinburgh Council. Thanks also to Scottish Government for funds from their Get into Summer campaign.

We are grateful for funding from the Pivotal Event Business Fund, the SCVO Adapt and Thrive programme, the Foyle Foundation and the UK Government to enhance our digital capabilities.

Our thanks also to the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, the Pump House Trust and the Turtleton Charitable Trust.

With thanks to EventScotland and City of Edinburgh Council for supporting Street Events.

Thank you to Brightcove, our streaming partners, for their support in delivering the Fringe Player.

Our thanks also to our Fringe Angels, Patrons, Friends and supporters whose passion and generosity made a real difference this year.

Krispy Kreme & Xbox go next level

Gaming champion Kem Cetinay at St James Quarter Meet & Eat surprise drop TONIGHT

Gaming and doughnut fans around the world have been going wild for the new Krispy Kreme x Xbox collab drop and they want more – and Krispy Kreme with Xbox are SO here for it!

New research by Krispy Kreme revealed that re-connecting since lockdown restrictions ended has been a balm to Brits, as 75% admitted they’ve made more of an effort to do so in recent weeks. To support this, Krispy Kreme and Xbox continue their collaborate with a series of incredible drops hitting Krispy Kreme stores across the nation.

Within the research, the doughnut retailer found:

For a third of Brits, the warm, sweet smell of doughnuts is the ultimate smile-generator
For 25% of us, simply the look of a doughnut can create a smile
Almost half of Brits (44%) love to share food with loved ones

Gamer and doughnut fan Kem Cetinay, nominated as the ‘gamifying doughnuts master’ will be popping up at the Krispy Kreme store in St James Quarter, Edinburgh tonight to serve up doughnuts and Xbox Series S consoles, and will be on hand to share his cheeky smile for some Covid-safe customer selfies (for over 18’s or those with an adult).

It’ll be game on in stores! Fans aged over 18 or accompanied by an adult will get the chance to get on an Xbox Series S console and challenge Kem to his favourite games on Xbox Games Pass (socially distanced)… if they win, an Xbox Series S immediate win is promised to one lucky winner, as well as the glory!

Catch Kem Cetinay for the Meet & Eat surprise drop in Edinburgh between 5.30pm – 7.00pm this evening at the Krispy Kreme store in St James Quarter.

The Nexus Level Doughnuts – created specially to celebrate Xbox’s 20^th anniversary will be on sale for a limited time only until 22^nd August.

The campaign will see each dozen purchase of The Nexus Level Doughnuts rewarded with a complimentary 1-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Membership, plus the chance to win an Xbox Series S Console. Once they’re gone, they’re really gone so get them while you can!

The campaign will see each dozen purchase of The Nexus Level Doughnuts rewarded with a complimentary 1-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Membership, plus the chance to win an Xbox Series S Console.

Once they’re gone, they’re really gone so get them while you can!

Stay tuned to the following channels to find out when and where you can get your hands on prizes and to meet Kem:

Krispy Kreme Channels @KrispyKremeUK

Kem Cetinay @kemcetinay

Xbox @xboxuk

#KrispyKremeXbox

Dunard Centre plans unveiled

Images of the proposed new design for the Dunard Centre supported by Royal Bank of Scotland, reveal an opportunity to make an ‘inspiring contribution to the city’s cultural rebuild‘, project leaders IMPACT Scotland said yesterday.

One of the boldest ventures in the city’s recent past, Edinburgh’s first purpose-built music and performance venue in over one hundred years will rival the best in the world in acoustic quality and audience experience, bringing together architect Sir David Chipperfield, recognised throughout the world for high quality architecture in sensitive heritage sites and leading acousticians Nagata Acoustics, established international authorities in the field of concert hall design.

As the cultural flagship for the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, the Dunard Centre will fill a recognised gap in the region’s cultural infrastructure and provide a platform for local, national and international musicians to perform to audiences in the very best environment.

The 1000 capacity hall is designed with the flexibility to welcome the widest possible range of acoustic and amplified music and performance to a mid-sized venue.

The simple elegance of the exterior reflects the surrounding neoclassical design of the Edinburgh New Town and opens up an undiscovered area of the city centre, linking the St James Quarter, St Andrew Square and the Register Lanes and contributing to the regeneration of the area.

Impact Co-chair Fergus Linehan said: “We are delighted to unveil the stunning design for the Dunard Centre which will be a truly transformational venue in the heart of Edinburgh.

“The restrictions throughout the pandemic have highlighted the enormous contribution participating in the performing arts, whether as an audience member or a performer, makes to our wellbeing.

“It is a great honour to be leading a project which will make such a positive and inspiring contribution to the city’s cultural rebuild.”

Co-chair Gavin Reid added: “As well as being a creative hub hosting music and educational experiences of all kinds, the Dunard Centre will reach out beyond its own walls to be an inspirational springboard for outreach work across the city and beyond.”

Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal partners also welcomed the announcement.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “The Dunard Centre is an exciting prospect for Edinburgh’s cultural landscape.

“These designs show the great potential for a new, dynamic creative space in the heart of the city.

“The UK Government is investing £10 million in this project as part of it’s £1.5 billion commitment to Region Deals across Scotland, helping communities everywhere to build back better from the pandemic.”

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Adam McVey said: “The Dunard Centre is an exciting and important new cultural venue for our Capital. This is the first purpose-built concert venue in Edinburgh in more than 100 years which will expand Edinburgh’s landscape for enjoying music and the arts.

“It is in a prime central and sustainable location, with fantastic public transport connections and will complement the wider transformation of the east end of the city centre alongside the opening of the Edinburgh St James Quarter- ensuring that our City centre remains a vibrant and thriving destination.”

Malcolm Buchanan, chair, Scotland Board, Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “The Dunard Centre is an exciting proposition that will enrich the city’s education, music and arts communities and one that we are proud to be part of.

“Royal Bank of Scotland has supported Scotland’s arts sectors throughout its 300-year history, three centuries which have cemented Edinburgh and the country’s position as a capital for global culture.

“The Dunard Centre will play a role in continuing that tradition and create further opportunity for another generation of artists and performers.”

Sir David Chipperfield said: “Tucked behind Dundas House and on axis with George Street, the Dunard Centre occupies a strategic site linking the formal qualities of St. Andrew Square and the New Town with the more intimate atmosphere of lanes around Register House towards the new St. James Quarter.

“The identity of the building is determined by its circular form, contributing to the silhouette of the city and enclosing a 1,000-seat hall. This flexible world-class facility is designed to adapt to a wide-ranging programme of performances and cultural activities, ensuring it will serve as a meaningful new addition to the life and fabric of Edinburgh.”

The redesigned building will house:

⦁ 1000 capacity auditorium with the capacity for live streaming, digital capture and broadcasting
⦁ flexible multi-purpose rooms for education, conferencing and hospitality
⦁ foyer with informal opportunity for performance
⦁ café/bar with indoor and outdoor seating

The space has been skilfully re-imagined to create a world-class auditorium of exceptional acoustic quality in the heart of the city, retaining the 1000 capacity, while reducing the size of the proposed building.

The budget for the project remains at £75 million, with two-thirds of this being met by private philanthropy and fundraising. £35 million is being donated by Dunard Fund, and a fundraising campaign for a further £15 million has already received significant pledges.

As part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal the UK and Scottish Governments are each providing £10 million, and City of Edinburgh Council £5 million.

A variation to the planning application is being submitted this week. If planning permission is granted, construction will begin in 2022, with an estimated build length of 3 years.

The lions have landed!

St James Quarter supports African conservation for World Lion Day

Just in time for World Lion Day, a pride of lion sculptures, designed by internationally recognised faces, have taken centre stage at St James Quarter, celebrating the iconic species through an exceptional street art exhibition.

The St James Quarter pride is part of a global art installation, The Tusk Lion Trail, in support of African conservation.

Following the huge success and popularity of the Tusk Rhino Trail in 2018, the British charity has launched over 45 life-sized lion sculptures onto the streets in iconic locations worldwide including London, Edinburgh, Bristol, The Hamptons – New York, Sydney, Wellington and Nairobi.

The artworks will be on display for the public to enjoy until the end of September 2021.

The only pride in Scotland is located at St James Quarter. One lion is taking centre stage at Register Square with a further two located inside the stunning 850,000 sq ft galleria. The Scottish sculptures have been hand designed by fine art photographer David Yarrow and renowned Scottish artists Adrian Wiesnieski and Ade Adesina, each creating a unique piece of art.

Former Scottish Rugby Union players and British & Irish Lions Scott and Gavin Hastings attended the unveiling of the sculptures at St James Quarter along with Euan Kennedy another ex Scotland International Rugby Union player.

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said; “We are proud to be the sponsors and the home of the only Scottish pride in the Tusk Lion Trail 2021.

“To see them at St James Quarter in all their glory fills us with pride. To be housing sculptures designed by world-renowned artists, who each have a special link to Scotland, it’s something we’re incredibly honoured to be a part of.”

Following the interactive sculpture exhibition, the unique works of art that have been displayed across the UK will then be auctioned in London by leading global auction house Bonhams, on November 9th.

More information about the event can be found here: www.tuskliontrail.com

Scotland’s first Superdry concept store to open in St James Quarter

Superdry has announced the opening of its first concept store in Scotland. The new 8219 sq ft store will open in St James Quarter on Monday, 9^th August.

Superdry is built on style. Characterised by quality fabrics, authentic vintage washes, unique detailing, world leading hand-drawn graphics and tailored fits with diverse styling. The new concept store will host Superdry’s five style choice collections: Original & Vintage, Studios, CODE, Sport Performance and Superdry X – the only store in Scotland to house five all collections under one roof.

Superdry will join level two of the £1bn shopping district and will create over 20 new job opportunities in the capital. Superdry is the latest addition to the enviable list of world-renowned brands who have recently joined the St James Quarter family, including Aesop, Hamleys, The Kooples and Maki & Ramen.

To celebrate the opening, the first 100 customers who spend £50 or over will receive a free organic cotton gift and Superdry tote bag.

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter said: “This concept store is Superdry’s first in Scotland and we’re thrilled to add the brand to our exceptional line up within St James Quarter.

“The Superdry opening next week continues to underscore Edinburgh’s global appeal and further bolsters the St James Quarter retail offer. We’re excited to welcome guests to the new store next week.”

For more information and opening times, please visit https://stjamesquarter.com/

Iconic toy giant Hamleys set to open magical new store in St James Quarter

The summer holidays just got a whole lot better as St James Quarter announces the upcoming opening of iconic toy store, Hamleys, in the coming weeks.

Transforming into a magical land for kids, the new store will feature everything from its instantly recognisable collection of Hamley bears, to speed racing car toys, as well as flying drones and giant floating bubbles.

Known as ‘The Finest Toy Shop in the World’, Hamleys will join the 1.7 million sq ft shopping district occupying over 2,475 sq ft within the Galleria and will create 10 new job opportunities in the capital.

Hamleys, who have been a household name for over 260 years, is dedicated to ‘bringing toys to life’ for children and families by enthusiastically encouraging fun and play within their store and offering engaging experiences through their expert toy demonstrators.

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter said: “It’s really exciting to be welcoming another iconic brand to the St James Quarter family. We want to ensure that every visit to The Quarter is a delightful and memorable experience for the entire family and we really think that between the new Hamleys, and the already opened LEGO store, parents and children have lots to enjoy.

“Hamleys is so much more than just a toy shop, the brand focuses on bringing their games and toys to life adding an exciting experiential element to any shopping trip. Guests can celebrate birthdays and special occasions in style, and we are of course already eagerly anticipating what the festive season will bring with Hamleys!”

Mr. Sumeet Yadav, Chief Executive Officer – Global Retail Business, Reliance Brands Limited added: “We are delighted to open soon at St James Quarter. Every year more than 10 million families visit us across the world for a unique Hamleys experience where we bring to life many Worlds of Play.

“Every visit to Hamleys is a reward in itself, the toy purchase is a bonus for the child. I am sure children will build lasting memories of fun and joy while adults will relive memories of their childhood at Hamleys in Edinburgh.”

This latest signing at St James Quarter, which recently opened the first phase of its retail, dining and leisure elements in June this year, underscores the Scottish capital’s global appeal and further bolsters the St James Quarter leisure offer.

A game-changing mixed-use development being delivered by Nuveen Real Estate, St James Quarter completes the distinctive offer of Edinburgh with over 80 new brands, an enticing mix of restaurants and bars, and will add a W Edinburgh hotel, a boutique Everyman Cinema, a Roomzzz Aparthotel, 152 New Eidyn residential apartments, and an unrivalled guest experience providing customers with an enviable events programme in a range of new and attractive public spaces.

Complementing an unrivalled shopping offer, which includes a host of brands including & Other Stories, Mango, Zara, Bershka, Pull & Bear, Stradivarius, Russell & Bromley, Miele, Next, H&M, JD Sports, John Lewis, and many more, St James Quarter is a premier food and drink destination.

Providing a truly diverse offer – from fast food, fresh food, to family and restaurant dining including Bonnie & Wild’ new concept food hall to the development. The offer will be available over a number of locations throughout St James Quarter, each with its own unique look and feel.

Four new brands set to open their doors at St James Quarter

Edinburgh’s St James Quarter is extending its enviable line for visitors once again, as it announces a further four new openings taking place this month.

French fashion retailer, The Kooples, and global skin care brand, Aesop, are both joining the 1.7 million sq ft city centre development at the end of the month.

And that’s not all, local independent Maki & Ramen and Bonnie & Wild both opened their doors earlier this week, adding some firm foodie favourites to the already mouth-watering line up of eateries within The Quarter – ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy morning, noon and night.

Bonnie & Wild (above) is Scotland’s largest single food and drink site that offers a variety of locally sourced produce, served by some of Scotland’s best restaurants and award-winning chefs.

Whilst Maki & Ramen which offers authentic Japanese dishes, served with a side of Instagrammable interiors, including a large Cherry Blossom tree in the centre of the restaurant, and a brand-new cocktail menu exclusive to St James Quarter customers.

The Kooples, known for their rock-chic and contemporary apparel, will open on 23rd July, followed by Aesop, which will open its second Edinburgh store on 30th July.

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “We’re delighted to be announcing a further four retailers who are opening their doors this month, two of which are allowing us to extend our already incredible food and beverage offering within the Quarter.

“Our goal is to provide visitors with an enjoyable and memorable experience with something new to see, do, and experience every time they come back to The Quarter.

“Bonnie & Wild, Maki & Ramen, The Kooples and Aesop are four incredible brands that each have something different and unique to offer, and I look forward to seeing them thrive over the coming months.”

Miele celebrates opening of new ‘Experience Centre’ at St James Quarter

*Miele store opening, St James Quarter, Edinburgh*

Premium German appliance manufacturer, Miele has opened a new Experience Centre within the exciting new district of St James Quarter.

This is the third Miele Experience Centre in the UK after London and Oxfordshire, and the 100th worldwide.

The carnival inspired opening featured a spectacular floral installation over the entrance to the new store created by Edinburgh-based Wild Flowers.

Guests were treated to cookery demonstrations and ‘street food’ style treats and bites from the renowned and award-wining Scottish chef, Mark Heirs.

An exclusive ‘Spin the Drum’ competition enabled 100 visitors to win one of 100 prizes including a washing machine, dishwasher, coffee machine and a vacuum cleaner as well as vouchers to use in store.

Renowned and award-winning Scottish private chef, Mark Heirs giving cookery demonstrations and serving up ‘street food’ style treats and bites made using Miele Appliances

The purpose of the Experience Centre is to bring Miele products to life and to provide customers with the opportunity to fully interact with live appliances and experience new technology.

Whether a customer is looking for a replacement washing machine or researching a full suite of appliances for their new dream kitchen, knowledgeable sales consultants and home economists can help guide them on the products that are right for them.

A customer taking a new Miele Cordless vacuum cleaner for a test drive

John Pickering, managing director for Miele GB says, “We have received an incredibly warm welcome to Edinburgh by local people who visited our new Miele Experience Centre.

“Our mission is to create quality products that improve our customers’ lives, that are designed, built and tested to last – many for up to 20 years. We are looking forward to helping customers from all over Scotland make informed decisions about buying new sustainable appliances and ensuring they get the absolute most out of them.”

100 prizes were up for grabs in the online ‘Spin the Drum’ competition

The new Edinburgh Miele Experience Centre will be a destination of discovery, where a range of sustainable appliances will be on display including laundry, cooking, dishwashers and floorcare.

Carefully curated interactive ‘Discovery Classes’ will also be introduced from September, to help customers to see and feel why Miele products are different.

The classes will cover everything from key product features and benefits, quality of design and manufacture through to cooking and recipe demonstrations.

An expert Miele sales consultant explaining the features and benefits of a new Miele oven

The new Experience Centre will be managed by Ewan Laing who will be supported by a team of sales consultants and home economists. The new store creates eight new jobs and is centrally located in the new St James Quarter, a vibrant new shopping and food destination in Edinburgh.

Products on display in the Miele Experience Centre

The new Miele Experience Centre can be found at 243 St James Crescent, EH1 3AD. Doors open at 9am on 24 June 2021.

For more information about Miele visit miele.co.uk

Royals visit St James Quarter

Their Royal Highnesses The Earl and Countess of Forfar visited St James Quarter yesterday for a tour of the new scheme developed by Nuveen Real Estate that has transformed the east end of Edinburgh.

St James Quarter, the most significant transformation Edinburgh has seen in a generation opened phase one last week, adding a new retail-led, lifestyle district that fully integrates and enhances Edinburgh’s city centre – providing an inspiring, attractive, and vibrant destination which is creating 3,000 retail and leisure jobs.

As part of its development programme, Nuveen Real Estate also committed to improving local infrastructure and public space in the area through the Growth Accelerator Model, the innovative funding arrangement with the Scottish Government.

Martin Perry, director of development at St James Quarter, commented: “We were delighted to welcome Their Royal Highnesses to St James Quarter today.

“The team were honoured to show off the brand-new 850,000 sq ft shopping galleria, and the enviable line up of brands within it, but also give them a sneak peek at the amazing spaces and places that are still to come.

“We believe in Edinburgh, and we are excited to help lead the way as part of the city’s wider economic recovery. Throughout this pandemic we have never questioned our investment in not only the St James Quarter but the city itself. We’re here to stay and we’re here to help.

“Everyone involved has worked incredibly hard over the last 5 years to bring the St James Quarter vision to life and to deliver a world-class destination within the heart of the capital city – and a visit from the Royal Household was a great way to top off the phase one opening celebrations.”

Phase one of St James Quarter is officially open

Following five years of construction, the most significant transformation Edinburgh has seen, St James Quarter, opened phase one of the 850,000 sq ft shopping galleria today (Thursday 24^th June).

The completion of the first phase of the development brings a new, retail led, lifestyle district that fully integrates into and enhances Edinburgh’s City Centre providing an inspiring, attractive, and vibrant destination for locals and visitors to shop, eat and play.

Over 40 retailers welcomed the public through their doors on opening morning, many of which are debuting their brand in Scotland for the first time, including, & Other Stories, Stradivarius, Bershka, and Pull&Bear. H&M, Mango, Next – including its Victoria Secret offering, Rituals Tommy Hilfiger, Peloton, Salerno, Nordic Outdoor and many more also welcomed their first visitors to their new stores.

As part of the development plans, John Lewis opened their newly renovated store in May, boasting a range of new services and experiences.

St James Quarter will also host several new concept stores including Zara, and Superdrug who have added a showcase Skinnydip stand for lifestyle and fashion accessories along with a Beauty Studio area for professional beauty treatments.

Meanwhile Breitling opened its first standalone boutique in Edinburgh, and The Body Shop will open their first Activist Workshop store in Scotland. LEGO has unveiled to shoppers a bespoke Edinburgh themed LEGO mosaic, while IOLLA will be introducing a new experiential showroom with an interactive try on garden.

St James Quarter is committed to championing local brands – taking over Little King Street for the next 12 months are an array of local food and drink pop-ups including Harajuku Kitchen, Artisan Roast, The Mac Man and Churros, Baby? to keep shoppers energised whilst visiting the Quarter.

St James Quarter has also recently announced its exclusive partnership with Edinburgh Cocktail Week and will host a striking new al fresco Spritz Garden to kick off the opening celebrations.

With its prime location in the heart of Edinburgh, St James Quarter is set to become a welcoming, cultural and lifestyle hub for art, culture, and fashion. Through long-term partnerships with Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh Jazz & Blues and the Edinburgh Science Festivals – to name a few – the opening is set to complement the city’s world-renowned cultural offering and support its vibrant events calendar.

The £1bn development’s hospitality and residential elements are set to complete in three further phases through to 2022.

When fully complete, St James Quarter will be a destination like no other – bringing together brands from global to local, and convenience to luxury.

It features a shopping galleria with 80 different retailers, an enticing mix of restaurants, a Bonnie & Wild food hall, Scotland’s first W Edinburgh hotel, a boutique Everyman Cinema, a Roomzzz Aparthotel, residential apartments, and parking.

A number of brands will continue to join the line up in the coming weeks, including the Scottish foodhall, Bonnie & Wild, which opens next month, as well as Bross Bagels, The Kooples and Aeronautica.

When complete, in addition to the new shopping hub, St James Quarter will include:

· A 244-bedroom W Edinburgh. The first in Scotland, the glamorous hotel will include a W Lounge, a signature restaurant, a W Sound Suite, FIT® – the ultimate workout facility – and an AWAY® Spa.

· 152 New Eidyn apartments from Native Land. As well as stunning views from their ‘gardens in the sky’, the new homes will include a shared garden room and unparalleled residents’ services including full concierge service.

· A 75-room Roomzzz Aparthotel. Complementing the scheme’s W Edinburgh, Roomzzz is providing stylish apartments with the personal touch for adventure, business and celebration. Guests can stay for one night, a week and up to a year.

· Nine event spaces. An enviable events programme has been created across a range of new and attractive public spaces. Set to host a diverse range of pop-up fashion and music shows, the St James Quarter will link to the city’s rich cultural offering and events calendar.

· A boutique Everyman Cinema. Debuting its first Edinburgh city cinema at the St James Quarter, the cinema will feature five screens and indulgent sofa seating.

· A truly diverse dining experience with an enticing mix of restaurants. From fast food, fresh food, to family and restaurant dining, the St James Quarter boasts the first Bonnie & Wild Scottish food hall, Five Guys, @pizza and Scotland’s first The Alchemist.

Martin Perry, Director of Development for St James Quarter, said: “This is a momentous occasion for the city of Edinburgh – and this is just the beginning. The brands and experience that we have welcomed today demonstrate our commitment to delivering a curated destination for the people of Edinburgh.

“We are now looking forward to continuing on our journey to deliver a truly mixed-use destination of the future as we welcome more brands, leisure, and our new neighbours.

“The impact of the pandemic has of course had a profound impact on UK retail. However, retail required a rethink long before the pandemic. The high street was already changing, which is why we have been continually working with our partners, retailers, and the city as whole to ensure that the St James Quarter continues to be enjoyed by generations to come.

“A new normal demands a new kind of retail destination, a development that can respond to an ever-changing situation, one that serves the needs of its community as well as overseas visitors.

“It is the reason we are focusing on creating a unique experience for our customers. There is something for everyone – which is why our occupiers are still focused on the long-term journey at St James Quarter.

“We believe in Edinburgh, and we are excited to help lead the way as part of the city’s wider economic recovery. Throughout this pandemic we have never questioned our investment in not just the St James Quarter but the city itself. We’re here to stay and we’re here to help.”

Nick Peel, Managing Director for St James Quarter, commented: “Today is the day we’ve been waiting for, for a long time – it marks the moment we bring a brand-new fashion district to Scotland.

“The brands opening their doors within St James Quarter are world-class and it’s great to so many retailers debuting in Scotland for the first time. From firm fashion favourites to local gems, there’s something for everyone.

“The St James Quarter team has been working tirelessly to ensure customer safety is the number one priority, so we have ensured all relevant measures are in place to allow people to enjoy the St James Quarter experience comfortably and safely.

“We look forward to welcoming guests over the coming weeks and to share what lies behind The Quarter with everyone.”