Summerhall is up for sale

The owners of Summerhall have put the building up for sale with all current licences included in the deal.

Summerhall has a programme of events during August and all year round which the sellers say will continue as well as all leases currently in place.

Summerhall Management Ltd set up by philanthropist Robert McDowell to buy the building is hoping to continue working with any new owner to ensure that the work undertaken over the last 13 years continues. But owners Oesselmann Estate Limited (based in the Isle of Many and also linked to Mr McDowell) believe now is the time for new investment in the two acre site.

Robert McDowell, Director of Summerhall Management Ltd said: “In 2011, buying the old Vet School Buildings was ambitious – a small team worked alongside me to bring in some of the best arts in Edinburgh especially during the Festivals and year-round including the Science Festival and others such as year-round art and music programmes.

“I am so proud to say that I have been part of building a space that adheres to the original spirit of the festival and has provided a space for artists, creators and makers to play, build and grow over the years.

“My hope is that with new owners buying the building, Summerhall will be strengthened for the future – and continue its miraculously extraordinary activities, new investment and vigour for the next decade and beyond…”

Stephen Kay of CuthbertWhite who are responsible for the sale said: “We are excited to be bringing this to the open market and we expect considerable interest in this property from a wide range of domestic and international parties. It is an important landmark in the history of Edinburgh, occupying an enviable location overlooking The Meadows.” On the CuthbertWhite website the firm describes the sale as: “A unique opportunity to acquire an income producing mixed use estate extending to c.130,000 sq ft over seven buildings offering significant re-development and refurbishment potential for a variety of uses subject to planning“.

Summerhall Management Ltd works alongside Oesselmann Estate Limited with an in-house Buildings Manager and Maintenance and Lettings team, to run the building while curation of arts and events has been run by Summerhall Management Ltd for over 13 years.