Interserve is currently assisting on the scheme, carrying out work to five of the nine buildings.
The project is taking place within the old town conservation area and a UNESCO designated world heritage site.
The mixed use scheme by developers Chris Stewart Group will see twenty nine serviced apartments, four restaurants, a bar/bistro and offices/retail units created in the area formerly occupied by the City of Edinburgh Council.
Interserve is currently undertaking external envelope and internal structural works and has now been instructed to proceed with M&E and dry lining fit-out works.
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Interserve's Project Manager for the scheme, Colin Hawkins, said: "It's amazing to think that we have installed over 300 tonnes of steel so far here without the use of a single crane. Instead we have used a rather 'mind boggling' array of hoists, pulleys, buggies and miniature train tracks. They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and I would say that this site has certainly proved that point.
"Another interesting aspect of the project has been the removal in a B listed building of an existing six storey internal structure. We've replaced it with a new eight storey version, using hot rolled steel for levels one to five in lieu of timber frame, and a cold rolled super structure for the further three storeys/roof. What made this structural replacement even more challenging and interesting was the site location and the temporary works requirements for the façade retention.
"When the scheme is finished it's really going to have made best use of the existing buildings, mixing a great architectural heritage with modern additions."
A key purpose of the development is to unify disparate elements through the use of render, natural stone, terracotta cladding, hardwood and zinc on the works.
(IT)
