Edinburgh Festival Square building named after Sean Connery planning reconsidered

There was fresh hope for a £20 million new home for the Filmhouse after Edinburgh chiefs gave guarded support for the scheme - reports the Scotsman.

The complex planned for Festival Square was branded a "non-starter" by council leader Donald Anderson just over a year ago.

He was furious that the plans for the development were drawn up by the film organisations and award-winning Edinburgh architect Richard Murphy without first consulting the local authority.

But today Councillor Anderson admitted he was "greatly torn" after taking up an invitation from Mr Murphy to view revamped proposals, including a scale model.

Although the building, outside the Sheraton Grand Hotel, would take up less space in Festival Square than previously proposed, it is now going to be five storeys instead of four.

The circular building would have six screens, the biggest with seating for 600, so it could host gala premieres at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Sir Sean Connery has already agreed to give his name to the building - just a few hundred metres from where he was born.

Mr Murphy believes the building will become the world's most famous cinema.

It is understood the council is considering backing the use of Festival Square in principle, if an alternative site cannot be found.

Cllr Anderson said: "I do still have reservations about building on Festival Square.

"However, the building looks fantastic and Richard Murphy is an excellent architect.

"I have to say I was very impressed by the latest proposals and I am definitely a lot more convinced about the idea than I thought I was going to be."

Councillor Steve Cardownie, the city's festivals and events champion, added:

"We have to have an open-mind about this and look at whether it would actually improve what is there."

Mr Murphy said the proposed building was unlike anything elsewhere in the world.

He added: "Festival Square is a complete non-event and I can't see how people will eventually start using it if it's kept in the current state. This new building would completely bring it to life.

"The hotel would lose the view from some of its rooms, but look at what Edinburgh would gain. This would be the most famous cinema building in the world."

Peter Murphy, general manager of the Sheraton Grand Hotel, said: "As far as I'm concerned this is all still pie in the sky.

"I can't see the council ever giving it planning permission."

Thanks to `JP` for the alert.

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