Edinburgh’s iconic Jenners department store could leave its Princes Street home after more than 180 years.
The iconic building could be transformed into a hotel, rooftop restaurant, cafes and luxury shops under plans revealed on Tuesday.
The building’s owner, Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen, said he had been unable to agree terms with Jenners’ owners Sports Direct on staying in the building.
The store, which has been associated with the building since 1838, could move out as early as next year.
Mr Povlsen’s plans would see more than half of the total site turned into a hotel, with the rest reserved for retail.
The Victorian facade and central atrium would be renovated, while a rooftop restaurant and bar would overlook St Andrew’s Square.
A private terrace for the hotel’s corner suite would have views of the Mound and Arthur’s Seat.
Project manager Anders Krogh said: “Our intention is to strengthen the Jenners building.
“The iconic Jenners building will always stay and is the very DNA of our plans.”
The building was sold to private investors in 2005 after House of Fraser bought the Jenners brand.
Mr Povlsen bought the property two years ago for a reported £53 million.
He said Jenners was due to move out in 2020-21.
“If they should end up not wanting to continue, it is unfortunately not our decision.”
Since the Sports Direct group bought over House of Fraser last year, owner Mike Ashley has tried to cut rents on the group’s stores.
He has previously criticised “greedy landlords” for refusing to change rental agreements.
Jenners has been a huge presence in Edinburgh’s main shopping street since 1838.
It was opened by local drapers Charles Jenner and Charles Kenningon and was initially called Kennington and Jenner, selling fine silks and linens could normally just be found in London.
The shop changed its name to Charles Jenner & Co in 1890 and expanded into neighbouring buildings, making it one of the biggest stores in Scotland.
Fire destroyed the shop two years later and celebrated architect William Hamilton Beattie, who also designed the Balmoral and Carlton Hotel, was brought in to create a new look Jenners.
Charles Jenner died for the work was completed in 1895.
