Heritage bodies call for fire-ravaged Princes Street building to be 'fully restored'
Experts said fires are one of the ‘greatest threats’ to the city’s World Heritage status and called for further action to safeguard other historic buildings
Heritage officials have called for the full restoration of the B-listed former Debenhams building on Princes Street, saying the visual impact of the loss “cannot be underestimated”.
A spokesperson for Edinburgh World Heritage, which safeguards the city’s World Heritage status, said it was “imperative” to stabilise and retain as much of the listed building as possible in the coming days.
They said: “Princes Street still retains a very high level of historic authenticity with its surviving elegant Georgian and Victorian buildings and is recognised as making a critical contribution to the significant heritage values of the World Heritage Site.
“The visual impact of the total loss of this building on the World Heritage Site cannot be under-estimated. EWH calls for the damaged listed building to be fully restored if possible.
“At the very least, the façade should be retained, rebuilt, or recreated with the original materials and construction methods.”
They said fire was one of the “greatest threats” to Edinburgh’s historic buildings and cultural heritage and that in the wake of the blaze other at-risk buildings should be identified and safeguarded.
They added no action should be taken until an urgent investigation has taken place to look into why the fire took place and whether there was adequate supervision on site.
Meanwhile, the Cockburn Association said that buildings like the one gutted in the Princes Street fire “contribute not only to Edinburgh's distinctive skyline but also to its identity and sense of place.”
James Garry, assistant director of the Cockburn Association said that, whilst it is too early to know the full extent of the damage, “any major fire affecting a prominent building on Princes Street is significant.”
He continued: “This is one of Edinburgh's defining civic spaces and forms part of the city's World Heritage Site. Buildings like this contribute not only to Edinburgh's distinctive skyline but also to its identity and sense of place.
“Once the site is safe, the priority should be a thorough assessment of what survives. Historic buildings often retain far more than first appears possible, and every effort should be made to conserve significant historic fabric before irreversible decisions are taken.”
Mr Garry said the organisation's concerns were for “everyone affected and for the firefighters and emergency services who have worked in extremely difficult conditions.”
He continued: “We also recognise the considerable disruption this incident has caused for residents, businesses and the many people who rely on Princes Street every day. As one of Edinburgh's principal transport corridors, carrying trams, buses, pedestrians and cyclists, any prolonged closure has significant implications for how the city functions.”
Mr Garry called for more investment into the “care, resilience and long-term stewardship” of the capital’s historic environment.
He said: “More broadly, this is a reminder that Edinburgh's historic environment is both precious and vulnerable. Protecting it means not only celebrating our heritage but investing in its care, resilience and long-term stewardship, recognising that the city's historic buildings are also part of the infrastructure that supports daily life, the economy and the experience of everyone who lives in or visits Edinburgh."
Historic Environment Scotland said they are set to provide advice and guidance to City of Edinburgh Council.
A spokesperson for Historic Environment Scotland said: “As the situation remains ongoing, we are monitoring developments and we are in contact with the City of Edinburgh Council to provide advice and guidance."
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