The Category A-listed building at 15 Dalkeith Road has stood empty since autumn 2020, when the financial firm moved out after 45 years of occupancy.

The development management sub-committee unanimously approved the plans by Vita Group. Committee convener Hal Osler, who had visited the site, said she was saddened by the building’s deteriorated condition when she first saw it more than two years ago. She described the structure as highly complex and suggested it could become an “iconic” place for visitors to stay, calling the decision a positive step.

A planning report backing the proposal concluded that it would protect the character and setting of the listed building while preserving and improving the surrounding conservation area.

The project did face opposition. The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland objected, arguing it would compromise the building’s Bürolandschaft (open-plan office) layout, a feature central to its design and one highlighted in both its listing and its 1977 RIBA award.

The Society said the plan to divide all seven retained hexagonal modules into guest rooms along internal corridors would erode the open-plan character more than the already-approved office refurbishment would.

Developer Vita Group, whose plans include demolishing five of the hexagonal modules, defended the proposal. It acknowledged that the impact assessment identified minor negative effects, including the loss of some historic fabric and of the building’s original open-plan office function, but argued these were outweighed by the wider benefits of the carefully designed change of use.

Maurice McCann, senior development manager at Vita Group, welcomed the outcome. In a post on LinkedIn, he described the consent as a key milestone in transforming one of Edinburgh’s most distinctive and challenging properties, and praised the collaborative approach of the City of Edinburgh Council and Historic Environment Scotland in shaping a viable plan that respects the building’s significance.

He also highlighted the substantial investment and long-term, heritage-led vision Vita Group has committed to bringing the site back into use.

With planning permission secured, McCann said the project would now move into detailed design and delivery, with all partners continuing to work together to realise the landmark’s full potential.