Victoriana revealed

Original shopfront hidden under modern façade returns to Nicolson Street

Edinburgh World Heritage has been carrying out extensive repairs on an original Victorian shopfront hidden beneath a modern façade.

The category C-listed building at 37-42 Nicolson Street was purpose built in 1899 as a shop selling drapery, but is now a Poundsavers shop. The original cast iron columns and ornate plastered ceilings have survived as has the cast iron shop front, covered up by timber framing.

Fiona MacDonald, conservation architect for Edinburgh World Heritage, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to rejuvenate a key route into the World Heritage Site. Sensitive restoration work on such a prominent building will make a real difference to both the visual impact and character of the street. Hopefully surrounding businesses will see the positive impact of this restoration and follow our example.”

As well as restoring the original shop front, the £138,000 grant will cover the repair of decayed and cracked stonework on the front of the building.

Edinburgh World Heritage is a charity funded by the Council and Historic Scotland to protect, conserve and promote our World Heritage Site.