Rumours Starwood will operate Edinburgh's ‘ribbon' hotel unconfirmed
Rumours that Starwood Hotels & Resorts will be taking its W Hotels brand to Scotland to operate the controversial ‘ribbon' hotel in Edinburgh have not been confirmed by the company.
According tohttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/leisure/12152752/Starwood-heads-to-Edinburgh-with-W-Hotel.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">The Telegraph, Starwood has agreed a deal to operate a new hotel being built in Edinburgh city centre.
It said the company will open a hotel with around 200 rooms in the redevelopment of the St James shopping centre, which is being built by TH Real Estate. But both Starwood and TH Real Estate were unable to confirm this.
A spokesperson for Starwood Hotels & Resorts said: "As a company, we are always looking out for opportunities for growth and investment, and we would love to expand all of our distinct lifestyle brands in the UK market. However, we have not signed any new agreements in Edinburgh as yet."
Martin Perry, development director for TH Real Estate, added: "We are currently in confidential negotiations with a hotel operator and hope to be able to make an announcement within the coming months."
The £850m project will provide the Scottish capital with up to 850,000 sq ft of retail space, five-star hotel accommodation and up to 250 private residential apartments.
Construction work is scheduled to start this year with completion due in 2020. The coiled ribbon design of the hotel, which was approved by councillors in August 2015, has been described as resembling "dog mess" by Edinburgh author Candia McWilliam. It also received heavy criticism from planning officials and members of the public.
'Ribbon' hotel resembles dog mess, says Edinburgh author >>
Hundreds sign petition to stop 'ribbon' hotel in Edinburgh >>
Plans for new hotel in Edinburgh as part of £850m regeneration project >>
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