A public consultation has opened on proposals to secure the future of Edinburgh arts venue Summerhall.
Developer AMA is setting out emerging plans for an Arts Quarter to address the site’s financial and physical challenges.
Residents, artists and businesses have until Friday 23 October to review the proposals and provide feedback.
A public drop-in event will take place on Wednesday 7 October to allow visitors to view the plans in person.
Since the Royal Dick Veterinary College vacated the premises in 2011, Summerhall has operated as a base for artists, performers, creative organisations and small businesses.
However, the site now requires substantial investment to ensure its long-term physical and financial future.
Edinburgh-based AMA entered into a contract to acquire Summerhall from Oesselmann Estate Limited in April 2025.
The developer is now working alongside Kettle Collective architects to create a vision for the site, seeking to maintain its cultural role while introducing new activity and investment to the wider complex.
Emerging proposals for the site include adapting the existing heritage buildings, improving pedestrian access and enhancing the public spaces.
A wider mix of uses is also being explored by the team to help support the long-term sustainability of the complex.
The public drop-in event will be held at Summerhall on Wednesday, running from 3pm until 7.30pm.
During this session, visitors will have the opportunity to view the detailed plans, meet the project team and ask questions regarding the future of the site.
The proposals follow pre-application discussions with the City of Edinburgh Council, which noted the potential for a mixed-use development that retains arts and community functions.
The council also welcomed the proposed retention and use of the majority of the listed buildings on the site.
Advice from the local authority highlighted improved accessibility and energy efficiency as potential benefits, while emphasising the need for sensitive design within the heritage setting.
A review by the Edinburgh Urban Design Panel in January 2026 also recognised the complex history of the site, which sits within the South Side Conservation Area near The Meadows.
Originally home to a brewery and two churches, Summerhall became the Royal Dick Veterinary College in the early 20th century, before modernist buildings including the distinctive tower were added between 1967 and 1971.
Dr Ali Afshar, co-founder and managing director of AMA, said: “Summerhall is an important part of Edinburgh’s cultural life. We know how much it means to the people who work here, visit and live nearby. We also know that significant investment is needed to address the challenges facing its buildings and secure its future.
“Our vision for an Arts Quarter builds on what makes Summerhall special. Art and culture will remain at its heart, alongside sensitive work to its heritage buildings, better access through the site and a mix of uses that can support it for the long term.
“Summerhall’s character comes from the many different chapters of its history. We want to respect that history while making the site more welcoming and accessible.
“This consultation is a chance for people to tell us what matters to them, and their feedback will help inform the proposals before we submit a planning application at the start of 2027.
“We hope the existing management team will continue its stewardship and day-to-day running of the Arts Quarter and associated commercial spaces following redevelopment, within modernised buildings offering greater flexibility.”
Members of the public can submit feedback and view the plans via the consultation website at www.summerhallconsultation.co.uk.
A further public engagement event is expected to be held before the consultation period concludes, with details to be announced ahead of time.
