Edinburgh Council has issued an update on road closures in the city centre following a blaze at the former Debenhams on Princes Street. Emergency services attended the scene on the busy high street on Thursday, July 9, with around 150 firefighters tackling the flames. The structure was left "unsafe to enter" after the fire.
Partial closure and diversions
The main thoroughfare has been partially closed around the building since, with buses and trams diverted. Locals were told Princes Street would be fully reopened by the "end of the month", with Edinburgh Council now saying "good progress" has been made, and they "remain hopeful".
Posting online, Edinburgh Council said: "We continue to make good progress on making the building safe, with the outer steel work to secure the front façade now complete."
"Subject to the weather, we remain hopeful of reopening Princes Street to buses, trams and pedestrians by the end of the month."
Building ownership and redevelopment plans
The building, which was badly damaged in the fire, is owned by Criterion Capital, which is in the process of transforming the vacant building into a 300-bed hotel. It would become Scotland's first Zedwell hotel, laid out over nine storeys and including a rooftop bar and retail unit. However, the future of the building remains unclear following the blaze, reports Edinburgh Live.
Current access and travel advice
The council's website states: "A section of Princes Street is expected to remain closed until at least late August following a fire at the former Debenhams store in the early hours of 9 July."
"Work is continuing to make the building safe while ensuring its historic features are preserved. This is complex work and will take time. West Princes Street is closed to all vehicles from Frederick Street to South Charlotte Street and diversions are in place."
Pedestrians can still access Princes Street except in the cordon area around the former Debenhams building (109-112 Princes Street). Rose Street is also open for pedestrians. Buses are currently rerouted along George Street and Queen Street, with trams only operating to and from the airport and Shandwick Place. No trams are running between Princes Street, Leith and Newhaven.
The council added: "We understand that the disruption and delays are frustrating but we must prioritise public safety. Please plan ahead. We will keep these webpages regularly updated with the latest information and travel advice."
