AMA commits to arts venue as Summerhall deal signed – Daily Business

Edinburgh arts venue Summerhall has secured agreement on its future with housing developer AMA which will acquire the former veterinary school from its current owner Oesselmann Estate.

AMA has formally signed the contract and plans a mixed use development that will incorporate an arts facility that is a regular venue during the Edinburgh Fringe.

It will embark on a public and planning consultation period and hopes to lodge a planning application within the next 12 months.

A representative from Oesselmann Estate said: “We are continuing to work closely with AMA to hand over ownership of Summerhall following a successful planning outcome.

“AMA has committed to creating a mixed-use space with a continued arts use that will truly enliven the fabric of the local community.”

Stephen Kay, director of capital markets at property consultancy CuthbertWhite, added: “We are pleased to have secured agreement with Scot Art to manage the iconic Summerhall arts and entertainment venue.

“Within this process, Scot Art, alongside subtenant Summerhall Arts, have signed leases for the continued use of Summerhall for a minimum of three years.”

Dr Ali Afshar, co-founder and managing director of AMA, said: “As a family-owned, Edinburgh-based company, we understand how deeply valued Summerhall is to the community here, and as its future custodian we will protect its historic legacy and forge a bright future for the estate.

“Having now formally entered a contract to acquire Summerhall, we will begin to consider the next steps to shape its plans for the future. In the coming months, we will begin to undertake consultations with the local community and The City of Edinburgh Council.

“We anticipate that this consultation period will take a considerable time as we prepare to lodge a planning application, given Summerhall is a highly sensitive site.

“This lengthy period will enable us all to agree a way forward. The redevelopment will be critical to maintaining the integrity of Summerhall and the fabric of its buildings, many of which are significantly underused, protecting them for the long term.

“We foresee that the result will be a mixed-use development, including both living and commercial space, while providing a facility to sustainably continue the provision of the arts.

“Our aim is to build a legacy that we can all be proud of, and we want to assure all parties that our guiding principle will be a commitment to creating a high-quality redevelopment for the benefit of all.”

Future plans

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.

The transaction was supported by Gavin Thain of Anderson Strathern, who acted for Oesselmann Estate Limited, and by Neil Gordon of EYCO and Kenny Irons of Gillespie Macandrew, who advised AMA.