Edinburgh blaze hits site of future Zedwell hotel

Emergency services have cordoned off Princes Street, Edinburgh, after a fire broke out in the site of the former Debenhams building in the early hours of Thursday, 9 July.

The site of the blaze is understood to have been in the process of being transformed into a Zedwell hotel opening.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Road closures are in place following a fire at a disused building on Princes Street, Edinburgh.

“Officers were called to assist the Scottish Fire and Rescue around 3.05am on Thursday, 9 July, 2026. There are no reported injuries.

 

 

 

 

 

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“Princes Street, Frederick Street and Castle Street remain closed and members of the public are asked to avoid the area where possible at this time.

“Emergency services remain in attendance and enquiries are ongoing.”

Zedwell operator Criterion Capital secured a £25m loan in 2024 to support its expansion into Edinburgh, alongside York and Manchester.

A spokesperson for Criterion Capital said: “Our immediate priority is the safety of everyone involved. There have been no reported injuries, and we are liaising with the emergency services and relevant authorities to support them as required.”