Restoration of historic Edinburgh landmark completed as Great Hall unveiled

The redevelopment of the Great Hall at the New Craig building in the Craiglockhart area of the city has been completed by property developer Qmile Group.

Development on the space has seen the restorations of a barrel-valved ceiling, semicircular clerestory windows, chimney pieces, deep oak panelling and the series of oak Corinthian pilasters.

Paul Curran, chief executive of Edinburgh-based Qmile Group, said: “Thanks to the outstanding ability of the expert tradespeople who worked on the Great Hall’s restoration, we have successfully maintained the architectural integrity that underpins the building’s Category A-listing.

“The result is a reinstated interior that respects the building’s historic fabric while meeting modern expectations of comfort which our New Craig residents can now enjoy.”

The building was completed in 1894 and designed by renowned Scottish architect Sydney Mitchell.

It was once home to Craig House Hospital, with the Great Hall being noted for its grand features that set it apart from other buildings.

In 1992, Edinburgh Napier University acquired the building, with the Great Hall having been used for lectures, events and even wedding ceremonies.

It was sold for redevelopment in 2013, with the redevelopment described as “one of Scotland’s most ambitious heritage-led residential projects”.

Mr Curran added: “The Great Hall is one of Edinburgh’s most remarkable historic interior spaces and its restoration has been a privilege.

“We wanted to honour what made the space so special while creating something that would have real meaning for the people who live here today.

“Seeing the Great Hall returned to its former grandeur with all of its craft, history and presence is a milestone for Craighouse and an achievement our whole team is incredibly proud of.”

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The Great Hall will serve as an exclusive communal space for New Craig residents as a nod to its history as a central gathering place.

Qmile Group’s redevelopment of the entire 52-acre Craighouse estate has seen the creation of luxury properties and is located just a few miles from the city centre on top of Easter Craiglockhart Hill.

The development has seen 144 homes created including new-build and conversion apartments, duplexes, penthouses and townhouses, including 45 in the New Craig building.

There are currently only three properties remaining for sale in the New Craig development on the estate.

Prices range from £625,000 for a two-bed, main door apartment to offers above £1.8m for a penthouse apartment located in the historic building’s tower which boasts wide-stretching panoramic views of the city.