Summerhall ‘unlikely’ to provide permanent homes – Daily Business

Popular arts and business venue Summerhall is unlikely to be converted to permanent residences despite being bought by a housing company, according to one long-standing tenant.

AMA Homes last month acquired the former veterinary school near the Meadows in Edinburgh from Oesselmann Estate in a sale process that drew concerns over its continued use as a business centre and regular Fringe venue.

Company co-founder and managing director Ali Afshar promised “a mixed-use development, including both living and commercial space”, but this is not thought to include permanent residences. Existing tenants have signed leases for a minimum of three years.

Marcus Pickering, co-owner of Summerhall Distillery, said: “I don’t think anyone will be buying property here to live in.

He said that it would be difficult to have private homes sharing a building with business units and arts activities.

“It is more likely to be short term lets, maybe business accommodation, students. There is also talk of a hotel.”

Those who would like to keep updated with the future plans for Summerhall are invited to register at AMA@building-relations.co.uk. They will be able to receive regular updates and have the opportunity to feed into any future proposals.