Oriental promise at The Tun, as retail units fill up fast.

Twelve months after completing construction of The Tun, developers Whiteburn are elated that their Jackson’s Entry retail units are now filling up fast with “Erawan at The Tun”, part of the Erawan Thai restaurant chain, commencing their fitout of a 150sqm (1,600sqft) unit this week.

On the 9th December the New Parliament Building Information Centre opened next door, relocating to The Tun from interim accommodation on the Holyrood Parliament site. Making use of multimedia applications including interactive touch screens, this centre will offer the public an excellent insight into the construction and development of the new parliament building at Holyrood.

Following the establishment of three successful restaurants under the Erawan brand, Derek Bell of Erawan commented, “This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a premise within 5 minutes walk from the Parliament. We intend to open with 40 covers, but have plans to expand to accommodate 100 covers and a small bar.”

Discussing in more detail Mr Bell outlined his aims for the cuisine, “The ambition of Erawan at the Tun is to widen the appeal and appreciation of South East Asian food through maintaining high standards and introducing a more diverse approach to what is available. An element of healthiness will be predominant here alongside freshness and of course taste.”

Two remaining units, currently being marketed by McGregors, Chartered Surveyors, open out onto Jackson’s Entry, the main pedestrian link from the Royal Mile to Dynamic Earth and the Scottish Parliament. As occupiers flow into the area, this route is fast developing into a thriving, vibrant thoroughfare.

In addition to this, the offices suites are now 100% fully let, with the Scottish Parliament the latest to occupy, joined Whiteburn’s prestigious list of tenants, which include the BBC, British Council and the European Parliament.

John Shepherd, Director of Whiteburn enthused “This site caught my eye in 1997 and I was very pleased to get the opportunity to become involved in one of the most significant regeneration projects in Edinburgh. We are delighted to not only have successfully completed this innovative mixed used building, but to have attracted such high profile tenants.”

Mr Shepherd went onto say “We are currently speaking with a number of high quality restaurant operators who are excited about the spectacular roof top restaurant space with views over to Salisbury Crags.”

Adding to the diversity and range of amenities within the area, Whiteburn are also close to securing a well-known national operator for the adjacent Clock Tower site. Designed by Allan Murray Architects and subject to planning this development will comprise a glass fronted restaurant on ground and first floor, opening out to a European style piazza area. Up above the developer plans to create a unique loft space with terrace overlooking Salisbury Crags.

For further information contact
John Shepherd, Whiteburn tel: 0131 226 1099
Simon Dormer, McGregors Chartered Surveyors tel: 0131 226 3997
Derek Bell, Erawan Siam Ltd 07775 626794
Visit http://www.the-tun.co.uk
Photography available on request.

Notes for Editors

Tenants located at The Tun include BBC Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish & Newcastle, Scottish Parliament, Commission for Racial Equality, European Parliament and British Council Scotland.

The Tun development was an integral part of the master plan originally envisaged for the Holyrood North Site. The whole site covers some 4.5 acres, which based on the John Hope layout, Development Services Partnership Limited split into 17 individual plots. The total development cost is about £50 million although the development value is now probably at least double that figure. The majority of the funding has been provided by private sources. Public Funding on the North Site has accounted for approximately £3 million of the development cost with approximately £1 million from LEEL for the demolition and accommodation works, approximately £1.3 million grant from Scottish Homes for the social housing developments and £0.7 million from the Scottish Arts lottery fund for the Scottish Poetry Library. The final plots, with Planning Consent for a restaurant and offices respectively will be completed by late 2003.