Edinburgh Princes Street to remain closed during Fringe after historic building fire

Edinburgh’s Princes Street is to remain closed into next month during the Fringe after the roof of a historic building was destroyed by a fire.

The building at the site of the old Debenhams department store suffered “significant damage” in the blaze, which broke out around 3am on Thursday, July 9.

Firefighters worked through the morning to bring the flames under control and continued to dampen down hotspots into the afternoon. The roof and top floors of the disused B-listed building have been destroyed.

Around 50 firefighters worked to contain the fire to the affected site and prevent its spread to neighbouring buildings.

Fire crews have been dampening down the blaze STV News

Now, the City of Edinburgh Council have confirmed that Princes Street, a main thoroughfare in the city, is expected to remain closed into August.

Work is continuing to make the building safe while ensuring its historic features are preserved as far as possible, the local authority said. The works are expected to take several weeks to complete.

Princes Street remains closed between Frederick Street and South Charlotte Street to all vehicles and pedestrians, with diversions in place.

Buses are currently rerouted along George Street and Queen Street, with trams to and from the airport terminating at Shandwick Place.

It comes as Edinburgh prepares to host the world-renowned Fringe festival, which starts on August 7 and runs until the end of the month.

The fire took hold of the old Debenhams building Dillion Laing via Supplied

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said on Friday: “We have now left the scene of a fire within a former retail building on Princes Street, Edinburgh.

“We were alerted to the incident at 2.52am on Thursday, July 9.

“At its height, around 50 firefighters, six fire appliances, two high reach appliances and additional specialist resources were mobilised.

“There were no reported casualties and crews left the scene at 8.15am on Friday, July 10.

“A joint investigation with Police Scotland into the cause of the fire is now under way.”

There were no reports of any injuries following the blaze.

Council leader Jane Meagher said: “While, of course, I’m disappointed that Princes Street is to remain closed for weeks to come, our priority must be on the safety of the public.

“Our focus continues to be on making the building safe while aiming to retain as many of its historic features as we can. This is a painstaking process and will take time.

“I’m acutely aware that we’re now entering the busiest period of the year for Edinburgh, and there will inevitably be disruption in and around the city centre. We will continue to work with bus, tram, and other transport colleagues to keep the city moving as best we can.

“We’re also in regular contact with festival and event organisers with a view to minimising the impact on our events calendar, while ensuring those attending can easily access the latest information and guidance before travelling.

“This is an ever-changing situation and we will provide further updates as and when new information becomes available, including through a dedicated page on the council website.

“I want to thank people for their patience and understanding and have no doubt that we can still look forward to a fantastic summer of festivals here in Edinburgh.”