A public consultation is underway on proposals to secure the future of the Edinburgh arts venue, Summerhall.
Developer AMA revealed that residents, businesses, artists and community groups can review the proposals and provide feedback on plans. Since the Royal Dick Veterinary College left in 2011, Summerhall has become a home for artists, performers, creative organisations and small businesses. However, the site is said to now face ‘significant’ financial and physical challenges.
Having entered into a contract to acquire Summerhall from Oesselmann Estate Limited in April 2025, Edinburgh-based AMA is developing a vision with Kettle Collective architects for an arts quarter at Summerhall. The plans seek to retain the site’s cultural role while bringing new activity and investment to the wider complex.
Proposals include retaining and sensitively adapting key heritage buildings, improving pedestrian access through the site, and enhancing public spaces. A wider mix of uses is also being explored.
The proposals are said to have been informed by pre-application discussions with the City of Edinburgh Council. Its advice recognises the potential for a mixed-use development that retains arts and community uses, and welcomes the proposed retention and use of the majority of the site’s listed buildings. It also identifies improved accessibility and energy efficiency as potential benefits, while stressing the need for sensitive design within Summerhall’s heritage and conservation setting.
A review by the Edinburgh Urban Design Panel also recognised the site’s complex history. Once home to a brewery and two churches, Summerhall became the Royal Dick Veterinary College in the early 20th century. Later additions include modernist buildings constructed between 1967 and 1971, including its distinctive tower.
Dr Ali Afshar, co-founder and MD of AMA, said, “Summerhall is an important part of Edinburgh’s cultural life. We know how much it means to the people who work here, visit and live nearby. We also know that significant investment is needed to address the challenges facing its buildings and secure its future.
“Our vision for an arts quarter builds on what makes Summerhall special. Art and culture will remain at its heart, alongside sensitive work to its heritage buildings, better access through the site and a mix of uses that can support it for the long term.
“Summerhall’s character comes from the many different chapters of its history. We want to respect that history while making the site more welcoming and accessible. This consultation is a chance for people to tell us what matters to them, and their feedback will help inform the proposals before we submit a planning application at the start of 2027.”
The consultation is open until Friday 23 October. Plans can be viewed and feedback submitted at www.summerhallconsultation.co.uk.
