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Edinburgh locals raise concerns as crumbling Leith landmark covered up

Document Cited in Related
Vincent
AuthorLee Dalgetty
Published date24 March 2022
Publication titleEdinburghLive (Scotland)
Planners at the City of Edinburgh Council have launched an investigation into whether or not work on a historic frieze on the Category A listed former Corn Exchange building at 29 Constitution Street is considered a listed building breach

Locals have noticed netting placed on the side of the building, and have expressed concerns over the conservation of the structure.

The building is currently occupied by gaming developer Build A Rocket Boy Ltd - a company owned by former Rockstar North president Leslie Benzies.

Built in 1861, the building features a prominent frieze carving designed by John Rhind. One of his first creations, the detailed stonework shows cherubs with instruments and vine leaves.

Leith local Duncan Robertson told Edinburgh Live that the historic structure was surrounded by scaffolding last month, following some damage to the façade.

Posting in the I Love Leith Facebook group, Duncan Robertson stated: "It's hard to see how it's okay for a grade A listed sculpture to be handled so insensitively."

We spoke to Duncan about his concerns. He told us: "I went out to photograph the frieze the other day, since they're putting the netting up I thought it might be my last chance to get a few photos of it."

"It looks like he's hammering at the frieze from the window, hacking at it. They're just knocking bits of the building and netting it, and they're saying that's the problem dealt with.

"They're totally disregarding it, it's getting no conservation at all."

A spokesperson for Historic Environment Scotland told us: "We are aware of possible damage to a listed building at 29 Constitution Street. Local authorities are responsible for investigating reports of damage to listed buildings and we understand that City of Edinburgh Council is aware of this case."

While some of the I Love Leith members argued that protection of the building, and passers by, was acceptable - Alan Graham argued otherwise.

He commented: "A listed piece of architecture should be maintained by whoever is responsible for it...

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