LBA has partnered with Code, a unique hotel brand, to secure planning permission to convert 1A Parliament Square from a former courthouse building into 5 Star Capsule Hotel accommodation. Located in the heart of ‘Old Town’ many of the surrounding buildings are Victorian or Georgian and just like 1A Parliament Square, are rich in cultural history. The proposed development makes minimal alterations to the exterior of the building other than preservation and restoration and will only contribute to the important Old Town Conservation Area which emphasises the survival of these original buildings.

The building at 1a Parliament Square was originally designed as the Edinburgh police chambers and contained both holding cells and courtroom facilities including the former district court. It is proposed that the majority of the existing building pattern will be retained as it stands with the original features and the character of the courthouse and cells exposed. The original features will be expressed to form a central feature of the Code hotel experience. LBAs proposed design not only reinstates many of the existing blocked up windows but recreates the original historic entrance door redefining the historic façade. The building’s history will also be described and highlighted in the reception area with an inmates wall featuring notorious previous residents.

You can read more about the project on Urban Realm.