Summerhall Redevelopment: The Cockburn Association’s Initial Comments

The Cockburn Association has submitted its initial comments on the emerging proposals for the redevelopment of Summerhall, the former Royal (Dick) Veterinary College complex beside the Meadows.

We recognise both the significance of this remarkable complex and the need for substantial investment to secure its long-term future. We welcome, in principle, the ambition to retain Summerhall as an arts-led, mixed-use quarter, improve access and public spaces, and bring underused buildings back into productive use.

Our initial comments highlight four matters that we believe should be central to the development of the proposals.

Protecting Summerhall’s cultural and artistic identity

Summerhall’s cultural and artistic activities have become central to its distinctive identity. We believe these should remain a defining element of the redevelopment, rather than becoming subordinate to hotel, residential or other commercial uses. The eventual mix of uses should demonstrate how a viable and substantial long-term arts presence will be secured.

Respecting the historic character of the complex

Summerhall’s heritage significance lies not simply in individual buildings or façades, but in its accumulated character, historic fabric, spatial relationships and institutional history. We are encouraging a heritage-led approach, supported by a thorough assessment of significance and careful consideration of opportunities for retention and adaptive reuse before decisions are taken on demolition or substantial alteration.

Responding sensitively to the surrounding townscape

We welcome the ambition to improve Summerhall Square, create more accessible public spaces and strengthen pedestrian connections through the site. However, the scale, massing and architectural expression of new development, particularly towards Hope Park Terrace and around the retained tower, will require careful consideration of surrounding buildings, important views and the setting of the Meadows.

Contributing to Edinburgh’s housing needs

Given Edinburgh’s declared Housing Emergency, we believe the residential elements of the proposals deserve particular scrutiny. While student accommodation and other forms of managed residential provision may have a role, we would encourage the development team to explore opportunities for permanent homes, including affordable housing, as part of the overall mix. The proposals should demonstrate how the redevelopment can contribute to meeting Edinburgh’s wider housing needs, alongside securing Summerhall’s cultural and heritage significance.

Next Steps

These are our initial comments at an early stage in the planning process. We recognise that the balance of uses and detailed design are still being explored, and we will continue to follow the proposals closely as they develop.

We have also requested an opportunity for members of the Cockburn Association’s Policy and Development Committee to visit Summerhall and tour the complex with the development team. Such a visit would help us better understand the existing buildings, the opportunities and constraints across the site, and the thinking behind the emerging masterplan.

Summerhall presents an unusual opportunity to combine conservation, cultural activity, housing and sensitive urban regeneration. We believe the development should not only secure the site’s long-term future but also sustain its distinctive character and make a positive contribution to the wider needs of Edinburgh and its communities.

We look forward to continued engagement with the development team as the proposals progress.