Assembly Rooms reopen after £9.3m project to restore it to former glory

The Assembly Rooms have reopened after 18 months and a £9.3m renovation.

In total 1000 gallons of paint and 20 tons of plaster have been used to restore the venue to its former glory.

All the statues and chandeliers were removed and restored before being put back in place.

The aim was to return the building to its original blueprint with shops and a restaurant on the ground floor and the public rooms on the first floor.

Jamie Oliver has already opened a branch of Jamie’s Italian in the George Street venue.

As well as restoration, the work upgraded the facilities in the venue to bring it up to date installing including state-of –the-art sound systems, lighting rigs and seating plans.

General manager Shona Clelland said: "This has been such an exciting project and the whole team is very proud of the work that's been done - it's everything we all set out to deliver and more. Everyone involved hopes that the people of Edinburgh are as delighted as we are to have the venue back."

Cllr Richard Lewis said: "Today's official reopening is an extremely special day in the Assembly Room's history. The refurbishment over the last 18 months has breathed new life into this uniquely important venue, combining sensitive and significant repairs and renovation with fully modernised events facilities fit for the 21st century. The Assembly Rooms has been restored not just to its former glory but to where it belongs - at the very heart of Edinburgh life, all year round."

The Assembly Rooms reopens to the public on Saturday July 21 with a ceilidh and will host comedy, theatre and live music during August's Fringe.

More About Edinburgh Festivals

Related articles

People who read this story also read