EDINBURGH CITY CHAMBERS

Location: Old Town, Edinburgh

Client: City of Edinburgh Council

Programme: Completed 2009

Since 1811, the City of Edinburgh Council has operated from the Category A listed City Chambers in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Originally the building was the Royal Exchange, designed by John Adam in 1761, and was subsequently partially extended by Robert Morham in 1901.

With the City of Edinburgh Council, as part of their ‘Fit For Future’ initiative, the Practice has been involved in a number of refurbishment projects. Most notable of these has been the refurbishment of the Main Stair and the Main Chamber itself.

The Main Stair forms the dramatic 10-storey access spine of the building with formal access at Level 5, through the quadrangle, and another entrance at Level 0, at Cockburn Street. Sumptuous carpets and wall coverings were introduced including bespoke large scale thistle patterned wallpaper, ideal for a space of these proportions. Stunning, highly individual decorative glass panels were also specially commissioned for the upper level stair windows.

Largely untouched since its construction in 1901, the refurbishment of the Main Chamber included the reinstatement of the original colour scheme and the restoration of murals, paintings and original light fittings. The central stained glass dome was also restored to its original splendour. The room is used daily for a variety of private and public events throughout the year and also hosts the monthly council meetings.