TH Real Estate has secured planning permission for a luxury hotel in Edinburgh.

The application for the hotel, which will sit at the heart of the mixed-use Edinburgh St James scheme, marks the last major planning decision by the City of Edinburgh Council.

Architects Jestico + Whiles have designed the building as a bundle of 'coiled ribbons', creating a new landmark venue for the city including 210 beds, restaurants, bars and a rooftop terrace at upper levels.

In July, the council approved Primary Reserved Matters, Secondary Reserved Matters and a John Lewis detailed application for the 1.7 million sq ft Edinburgh St James project, which was designed by Allan Murray Architects.

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The redevelopment will see the 1970's shopping centre currently on site replaced with 850,000 sq ft of retail space, up to 250 new homes, 30 restaurants and a multi-screen cinema, along with a 'world class' hotel.

TH Real Estate is now looking towards the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) scheduled for September.

Subject to its successful resolution, the company will work towards a January vacant possession of the St James Centre.

This will allow demolition works to begin on site in early 2016, with project completion anticipated to be in 2020.

Martin Perry, Director of Development at TH Real Estate, said: "We are thrilled that the City of Edinburgh Council has supported our vision for the hotel. The building will be the centrepiece of Edinburgh St James and will reinforce the city’s position as an international destination."

(LM)