April 17 2020

Drinks giant Diageo has filed plans for an exterior lighting scheme by US-based NYX Design to animate a proposed whisky-themed visitor attraction on Edinburgh’s Princes Street.

The Johnnie Walker visitor centre was announced last year with Simpson & Brown Architects updating the former House of Fraser department store as a ‘sensory’ experience including a rooftop extension.

Now it is proposed to install recessed lighting on top of the cornice to illuminate columns, a fifth floor flagstaff and landmark clock.

In a statement planning consultancy Turley wrote: “The fixtures and fittings for the exterior lighting scheme have been discretely located on the building so that they are not visible from the ground and therefore minimise the impact on the architectural integrity and fabric of the building.

“The level of illumination is limited and is well matched to the architectural features of the Princes Street and Hope Street elevations. The lighting scheme will match and enhance the architectural features of the building and draw attention to the entrances on Princes Street and Hope Street.”

This approach segues with the Edinburgh Lighting Strategy which seeks to avoid washing the city in a blaze of unnecessary light by limiting interventions solely to the most important buildings and historic features.