A NEGLECTED park of Edinburgh's historic Grassmarket is to be regenerated through a "landmark development".

The redevelopment project which developers believe will breathe new life into an area which has lay vacant for an number of years, involves the creation of a hotel, flats, student accommodation, a new public square and cafe and an arts facility and studios. Of the housing being constructed, 25% will be affordable.

The development also includes the incorporation of the current Nightclub site and includes improved and enhanced public realm, including new routes and courtyards throughout, in-line with the character of the Old Town.

A planning application has been lodged for the proposed redevelopment of the buildings on King’s Stables Road, taken forward by a joint venture between Peveril Securities - the development arm of the Bowmer and Kirkland Group - and Campus Development Management.

Developers say the current mix of buildings on the site - formerly council offices, storage premises and workshops - have lain vacant since 2009 and were put on the market last year by the council, who deemed them surplus to requirements.

They say that the development will complement the council’s wider aspirations for a new cultural quarter on the site of Argyle House and the linking of Castle Terrace with the Grassmarket and West Port.

King’s Stables Road has been identified by the council as one of 12 “priority” development sites seen as crucial to the capital’s economic future, the said.

Extensive community consultation has been undertaken on proposals for the site, including two rounds of exhibitions, ensuring the local community were well aware of and have played a part in shaping the proposals.

Charles Vyvyan from Campus said: “This corner of the Grassmarket has lain neglected for a number of years, and these exciting proposals will breathe much-needed life into this part of the Old Town, providing a hotel, student accommodation, flats and facilities to accommodate and promote the arts.

“It was also pleasing to be able to incorporate the current Nightclub site into our proposals, a fact welcomed by the community, which has allowed us to improve public realm.

“We were highly sensitive to the fact that the site is within the UNESCO World Heritage site boundary, and as we worked our way through the planning process engaged closely with the local community, updating them on our proposals and listening to their feedback.

“We also want to ensure that the local; community and stakeholders have plenty of further opportunity to comment on the proposals, and have invited the council to extend the period for commenting on the planning application until later in January, to take account of the Christmas and New Year holiday period.”