The Fringe – Infirmary St

The success of The Fringe Festival Society and the continued growth of its team mean that its current office space no longer meets the needs of the organisation. 6 Infirmary Street presents an exciting opportunity to establish a new headquarters, one that unites the team, enhances support for performers and celebrates the vibrant ethos and culture of this iconic charity. Located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, at the heart of the annual festival, the new HQ is envisioned as a welcoming public building which is open and accessible: embedded in the life of the city.

The client’s brief is guided by three core principles: Decarbonise, Enhance Services, and Improve Accessibility, all with a 100-year lifespan in mind. A circular economy approach shaped the project from the outset, prioritising the reuse and retention of original features wherever possible. Ceramic basins, timber lining boards, partition screens and Victorian tiles have all been carefully preserved, reflecting a deep respect for the building’s heritage.

Instead of focusing solely on upfront costs, the project brief has placed an emphasis on lifetime energy performance and operational efficiency. An extensive pre-contract service agreement enabled a collaborative, investigative process, ensuring that every design decision was tailored to the building’s unique character.

New services have been designed with long-term flexibility in mind, including adaptable desk layouts and the strategic siting of plant rooms. The outdated gas boiler has been replaced with air source heat pumps, which are located to allow future connection to a district heating network. The lighting scheme includes proximity sensors and daylight dimming to minimise energy use.